AltStore PAL is making waves in the app distribution world by taking advantage of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) to bring a third-party app store to EU users. This innovative app, created by Riley Testut and Shane Gill, offers a unique alternative to Apple’s App Store by allowing anyone to distribute their app through self-publishing. Initially, AltStore PAL required a small annual subscription fee from users to cover Apple’s Core Technology Fee. However, thanks to a generous MegaGrant from Epic Games, the app is now available for free, with no subscription required.
The MegaGrant program, launched in 2019 by Epic Games, aims to support developers, professionals, creators, students, educators, and tool developers worldwide who are working with Epic’s Unreal Engine or improving open source capabilities in the 3D graphics community. The grants range from $5,000 to $500,000, and AltStore PAL is the latest recipient of this financial support. While the exact amount of the grant awarded to AltStore PAL remains undisclosed, it has allowed the app to cover Apple’s Core Technology Fee going forward, leading to the elimination of the subscription pricing model.
Epic Games‘ support of AltStore PAL comes at a time when the company has been vocal about its concerns regarding Apple’s App Store policies. Epic Games previously sued Apple over antitrust issues, leading to a legal battle that resulted in developers being allowed to direct users to their own websites for transactions and payments. Despite this concession from Apple, Epic Games continues to criticize the tech giant’s implementation of the DMA compliance plan, which introduced new business rules and fees for developers in the EU. The Core Technology Fee, which Epic Games is now covering for AltStore PAL, is just one example of the additional costs imposed on developers in the region.
In response to the MegaGrant from Epic Games, AltStore PAL has not only dropped its subscription fee but has also assured users who have already paid that they will not be charged again when it comes time for renewal. This move not only benefits current users but also opens up the app to a wider audience of EU users who can now access a diverse range of apps through AltStore PAL’s self-publishing platform.
Overall, AltStore PAL’s journey from a subscription-based model to a free app store highlights the impact of strategic partnerships and financial support in the tech industry. By leveraging the resources provided by Epic Games, AltStore PAL has been able to adapt to changing market conditions and offer a more accessible and user-friendly app distribution platform for EU users.