AltStore PAL, a third-party iOS app store, has recently made headlines by announcing that it will now be free of charge for all users. This change comes as a result of a grant provided by Epic Games, a move that is sure to shake up the app store landscape for iPhone users.
AltStore originally launched in 2019, offering a workaround that allowed iPhone users to access apps from outside the official App Store. However, it gained new significance when EU antitrust legislation mandated that Apple permit third-party app stores. In response to this, AltStore rebranded as AltStore PAL, initially limited to apps from its own developer, Riley Testut. However, the store recently expanded to include third-party apps as well.
One of the hurdles AltStore faced was Apple’s requirement for unofficial app stores to pay a Core Technology Fee (CTF) of €0.50 per year. Testut passed this cost, along with other expenses, onto users in the form of an annual subscription fee of €1.50. However, with the grant from Epic Games, AltStore PAL will now be free for all users, eliminating the need for a subscription.
In a statement, AltStore expressed gratitude for the grant from Epic Games and emphasized that existing subscribers will not be charged when their subscriptions renew. Additionally, the company plans to show appreciation for its loyal users in a future update, although details of this gesture have not yet been revealed.
The decision to make AltStore PAL free is significant as it removes a barrier for users who may have been hesitant to try out the app store. With no subscription fee, more users are likely to explore the offerings of AltStore PAL and discover the benefits of accessing third-party apps on their iPhones.
From Epic Games‘ perspective, providing the grant to cover the CTF for AltStore PAL is a strategic move that could yield positive PR at a low cost. Furthermore, with ongoing scrutiny of Apple’s practices by the EU regarding antitrust legislation, the CTF may come under further scrutiny and potentially be deemed illegal. In this scenario, Epic Games‘ grant may end up costing them nothing at all.
Overall, the shift to a free model for AltStore PAL marks an exciting development in the world of third-party iOS app stores. With the support of Epic Games, AltStore PAL is poised to attract a wider audience and continue to innovate in the app distribution space.