AltStore Plans Global Expansion as More Countries Allow Alternative App Stores
The developers behind AltStore, an alternative software marketplace for iOS devices, have announced their intentions to expand into additional countries beyond the European Union. This initiative comes as regulatory changes in various regions increasingly require Apple to permit third-party app distribution platforms on its operating system.
AltStore originally gained traction within the EU, where recent legislation such as the Digital Markets Act mandated greater openness in digital marketplaces. This regulatory shift compelled Apple to accommodate alternative app stores, providing users with more choices for software installation on their iPhones and iPads. According to AltStore's team, the platform is preparing to launch in up to three new countries by the end of the current year and anticipates further expansion into at least one more country in the following year.
Global regulatory trends are a driving force behind AltStore's expansion strategy. In addition to the EU, governments in countries such as Brazil, Australia, and Japan are reportedly considering or implementing measures that would force Apple to open its ecosystem to alternative app stores. AltStore's developers have indicated that they are closely monitoring these developments and are ready to introduce localized versions of their platform as soon as regulations allow. For example, a version tailored for the United Kingdom is expected in 2026, although regulatory uncertainty remains in some regions due to evolving government policies and industry responses.
At present, AltStore's European iteration, known as AltStore PAL, offers millions of EU users access to a diverse range of applications that are not available through Apple's official App Store. These include apps with functionalities such as virtual machines and content types, including adult material, which Apple typically restricts. This broader range of software underscores the differences between official and third-party app distribution channels and highlights the role of alternative platforms in meeting the varied demands of iOS users.
Looking ahead, AltStore's developers have outlined plans to transform the platform into a "Federated App Store" by integrating Fediverse protocols. This move aims to decentralize the app distribution process and enhance user engagement by enabling direct interaction with apps through social networks such as BlueSky and Mastodon. The team has also established a dedicated Mastodon server to facilitate community discussions and feedback.
AltStore is also introducing a self-publishing system that allows developers to distribute their applications freely, without requiring intervention or approval from AltStore's administrators. While Apple is not permitted to exercise editorial control over the content available through alternative stores, it retains the authority to scan submitted apps for malicious software to protect users from security threats.
Despite these advancements, there is currently no official timeline for the availability of AltStore in new markets. The development team has encouraged software creators to begin preparing their applications for release through the platform in anticipation of regulatory approvals. Apple, for its part, has not provided specific details regarding when or how alternative app marketplaces will be permitted to operate in the countries identified by AltStore.
AltStore's expansion reflects a broader global shift toward increased competition and consumer choice in the mobile software ecosystem. As more countries pursue regulatory frameworks requiring open app distribution, alternative platforms like AltStore are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of iOS app availability worldwide.