# EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge
The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) is reshaping the iOS app landscape, forcing Apple to allow alternative app stores that challenge its dominant App Store. As of early 2026, several innovative rivals have launched or expanded in the EU, offering developers lower fees, diverse payment options, and fresh user experiences, marking a pivotal shift toward greater competition and consumer choice.[1][2][3]
How the DMA is Fueling Alternative App Stores in the EU
The DMA, effective since 2024, designates Apple as a "gatekeeper" and mandates openness to third-party app marketplaces and payment systems to curb monopolistic practices. Apple complied by introducing APIs for alternative distribution, enabling EU users to sideload apps via approved marketplaces or developer websites after agreeing to new terms.[3][4][7] This includes a notarization process for security, ensuring apps meet baseline integrity standards without full App Review.[2] Developers can now bypass Apple's 30% commission by using external payments, though Apple imposes a Core Technology Commission (CTC) of up to 20% on sales from apps using alternative terms, transitioning fully by January 2026.[5][6] These changes, announced in June 2025, have sparked a wave of competitors, reducing Apple's control and potentially lowering costs for developers and users.[3]
Spotlight on Leading Alternative App Stores Challenging Apple
Several standout alternative app stores have emerged as top rivals, each targeting niche audiences while adhering to EU rules. Setapp, a subscription platform for Mac users, launched an iOS alternative store exclusive to EU users, allowing app purchases outside Apple's ecosystem and payment system.[1] AltStore PAL, co-created by developer Riley Testut, offers open-source distribution for independent apps like the Delta emulator and Clip clipboard manager, emphasizing developer freedom.[2] Mobivention caters to businesses with a B2B marketplace for internal corporate apps unsuitable for the App Store, including customizable options for large enterprises.[2] Skich innovates with a Tinder-like swipe interface for app discovery, playlists, and social features, taking a 15% commission and planning a full launch post-GDC with game-focused titles.[2] Onside, available in the EU and Japan, further expands access to a broader app world.[2] These platforms are notarized by Apple for malware protection, providing safer sideloading than traditional methods.[2][4]
Apple's Response and Ongoing Tensions with EU Regulators
Apple has implemented DMA-required features like Web Distribution and alternative marketplace APIs in iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, with updated user experiences for EU installations.[4][6][7] However, the company appeals some demands, accusing the EU of "delay tactics" amid stalled third-party marketplace progress, while the European Commission maintains ongoing dialogue for full compliance.[8] Fees remain a flashpoint: apps opting for non-IAP purchases face reduced App Store services but can't mix with in-app purchases, and larger apps may see commissions drop to 12-20%.[5] By January 2026, a unified model will apply the CTC across App Store, web, and alternatives, aiming for consistency but drawing developer scrutiny.[6] Globally, these EU changes signal potential ripples, as seen with Onside's Japan expansion.[2]
What This Means for Developers, Users, and the Future of iOS Apps
For developers, EU alternative app stores mean more distribution freedom, lower fees via external payments, and promotion of off-store offers, boosting revenue potential despite Apple's CTC.[3][5] Users gain choice, with EU iPhone and iPad owners able to install from marketplaces or websites, provided their Apple ID is EU-set and they're physically in the region.[7] Security remains prioritized through notarization, though users must approve installations.[2][4] As rivals like Setapp and Skich scale, expect more apps, innovative discovery tools, and competitive pricing, fostering a vibrant ecosystem. Ongoing EU-Apple talks suggest further evolution, potentially influencing worldwide app markets.[8]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and how does it affect Apple's App Store?
The DMA regulates "gatekeepers" like Apple to promote competition, requiring allowance of third-party app stores and alternative payments in the EU since 2024, leading to sideloading options and reduced commissions.[2][3][4]
Which alternative app stores are available for iOS users in the EU?
Top rivals include Setapp (subscription-based), AltStore PAL (open-source with emulators), Mobivention (B2B corporate apps), Skich (swipe-to-discover interface), and Onside (EU and Japan access).[1][2]
Can EU users sideload apps outside the App Store?
Yes, EU users can install apps from approved alternative marketplaces or developer websites via Web Distribution, after agreeing to terms and notarization for security.[4][7]
What fees does Apple charge for alternative app distribution in the EU?
Apple applies a Core Technology Commission (CTC) up to 20% on digital sales from alternative terms, transitioning to a single model by January 2026; developers opting out of some services may pay less.[5][6]
Are alternative app stores safe compared to Apple's App Store?
Apps undergo Apple's notarization for malware and integrity checks, though not full review, providing baseline security for EU sideloading.[2][4]
Will these changes apply outside the EU?
Currently limited to EU (and some like Japan for Onside), but they set precedents; users need an EU Apple ID and location to access.[2][7]
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 9:10:34 AM
**NEWS UPDATE: EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge**
EU consumers are embracing alternative iOS app stores like AltStore PAL, Onside, Mobivention, and Skich—launched under the Digital Markets Act—with early adopters praising expanded choice beyond Apple's ecosystem, as one TechCrunch report notes users gaining "easy access to a wider world of apps" free from full App Review processes.[1] Public reaction mixes excitement over lower developer fees and Tinder-like discovery on Skich (15% commission) with frustration over one rival's collapse, as MacPaw sunsets Setapp Mobile on February 16, 2026, citing "complex business" hurdles amid Apple's accusations of EU "political delay tactics."[
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 9:20:34 AM
**NEWS UPDATE: EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge**
Apple's shares dipped 1.2% in pre-market trading on Friday amid the EU rollout of rivals like AltStore PAL, Onside, Mobivention, and Skich—now live under the Digital Markets Act—sparking investor fears of eroded App Store dominance and revenue from its 15-30% commissions.[1][2][3] Skich's 15% purchase commission drew scrutiny for undercutting Apple while MacPaw's Setapp shuttered on February 16, 2026, citing "complex business" hurdles and Apple's "political delay tactics," per the firm's statement.[6][9] No major rebounds seen in Asian market
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 9:30:33 AM
**EU App Store Rivals Challenge Apple's iOS Dominance with Innovative Tech Stacks.** AltStore PAL employs open-source architecture for sideloading apps like Delta emulator, bypassing Apple's App Review via notarization for malware-free integrity, while Skich deploys a Tinder-like swipe interface for discovery, playlists, and social matching, charging a 15% commission on purchases[1]. Mobivention's B2B platform enables customized enterprise app distribution outside App Store constraints, signaling DMA-driven fragmentation that could erode Apple's 30% fees and expose users to diverse security models, per Apple's baseline APIs[3][2].
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 9:40:34 AM
**EU Regulatory Pressure Spurs Top Apple App Store Rivals Amid Ongoing Tensions**
The European Commission's enforcement of the **Digital Markets Act (DMA)** has forced Apple to allow third-party app stores like **AltStore PAL**, **Mobivention**, and **Skich** in the EU since June 26, 2025, enabling developers to bypass Apple's App Store and offer alternative payment systems to avoid escalating fines[1][2]. In response to Apple's "Core Technology Fee" on even free apps, the Commission fined Apple **500 million euros** in May 2025 (appealed) and later in April for DMA violations restricting developer steering to rivals[3][5][6]. Apple VP Kyle Andeer warned the Commissio
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 9:50:34 AM
**EU App Store Rivals Gain Traction Under DMA, Bypassing Apple's 30% Fees.** Setapp's new iOS alternative marketplace enables EU users on iOS 17.4+ to sideload notarized apps via Apple's MarketplaceKit APIs, dodging the App Store's review while ensuring malware-free integrity through baseline platform checks[1][4][5]. Skich's swipe-based discovery takes a **15% commission**—half Apple's rate—boosting developer margins and competition, though Apple warns of scam risks in ongoing EC talks[2][3][7].
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 10:00:34 AM
**EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge, Signaling Global Ripple Effects**
Setapp, AltStore PAL, Mobivention, Skich, and Onside have launched as leading alternative iOS app stores in the EU under the Digital Markets Act, with Onside expanding to Japan on February 17, 2026, enabling sideloading and bypassing Apple's 30% commissions—Skich takes just 15% while offering a swipe-based discovery interface.[1][2][5][8] This fosters developer freedom and lower costs, prompting Apple's planned 2026 shift to a universal Core Technology Commission across EU app sales, while Apple blames EU "delay tactics" for Setapp's recent closure amid regulatory frictio
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 10:10:33 AM
**EU Regulatory Crackdown Spurs Top Apple App Store Rivals in Latest Update**
The European Commission is leveraging Apple's June 26, 2025, App Store overhaul—allowing third-party marketplaces and external payments under the Digital Markets Act (DMA)—as the benchmark for its ongoing Google Play Store probe, with sources warning Google faces "a potentially large EU fine early next year" if tweaks like its 3% initial acquisition fee fall short.[1][2] AltStore PAL, Mobivention, Skich (15% commission), and Onside have emerged as key approved rivals in the EU, passing Apple's notarization for malware-free apps amid DMA-driven competition.[3] Apple, hit with a €500 million DMA fin
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 10:20:33 AM
**EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge Amid DMA Shakeup**
AltStore PAL, co-created by developer Riley Testut, stands out as a leading EU alternative with open-source distribution for independent apps like Delta emulator, while Aptoide leverages its 1 million app catalog and 430 million users, charging 10-20% commissions to cover Apple's €0.50 Core Technology Fee per install[1][3]. Industry expert Dario Betti notes the changes "offer developers more freedom and potentially lower costs," fostering competition, though MacPaw's Setapp Mobile closure in February 2026 highlights challenges with Apple's "evolving and complex business terms," per analysts[2][3]. Skich's Tinder-lik
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 10:30:34 AM
**EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge: Technical Breakdown**
Leading alternatives like **AltStore PAL**, **Aptoide**, and **Onside** now challenge Apple's dominance in the EU under the Digital Markets Act, leveraging Apple's **MarketplaceKit framework** and APIs for secure app retrieval, notarization—scanning for malware and integrity—and web-based installs on iOS 17.4+, while Aptoide boasts a **1 million app catalog** and **430 million users** with 10-20% commissions funding Apple's €0.50 Core Technology Fee per first install[1][3][4]. Implications include enhanced developer freedom via sideloading and external payments (e.g., Onsid
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 10:40:35 AM
**Onside expands to Japan** with its lower-developer-rate model, becoming the first alternative iOS marketplace to operate beyond the EU's Digital Markets Act jurisdiction as of February 17, 2026.[1] **Aptoide leverages scale advantage** with approximately 1 million apps and 430 million users across platforms, undercutting Apple's standard commission by taking 10-20% on in-app purchases compared to Apple's baseline rates.[3] Meanwhile, **Skich differentiates through discovery mechanics**—offering a Tinder-like swiping interface and social features like friend playlists—while charging a 15% commission, positioning itself against traditional app store models
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 10:50:34 AM
**NEWS UPDATE: EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge**
Alternative app stores like Setapp, AltStore PAL, Skich, Onside, and Aptoide launched across the EU, intensifying competition under the Digital Markets Act with lower developer commissions—such as Skich's 15% and Aptoide's 10-20%—compared to Apple's rates[1][2][4]. Apple's stock dipped 2.1% in early Friday trading to $218.45 amid investor fears of eroded App Store dominance, while Onside's parent surged 8% on expansion to Japan[2][4]. "These rivals threaten Apple's €0.50 Core Technology Fee model," noted analyst
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 11:00:34 AM
**EU App Store Rivals Spark Mixed Consumer Buzz Amid Slow Adoption**
EU consumers are showing cautious enthusiasm for top Apple App Store alternatives like AltStore PAL, Skich, and Onside, with early user reviews on tech forums praising Skich's "Tinder-like swipe interface for app discovery" as a fun alternative to Apple's grid[2]. However, public reaction remains tepid, as Aptoide reports only modest growth from its invite-only phase to broad availability, with under 10,000 initial iOS installs cited in developer feedback, while some users voice security worries over Apple's notarization process[4]. Advocacy groups hail the DMA-driven shift for "increasing consumer choice," but forums like Reddit note low awareness, with on
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 11:10:41 AM
**NEWS UPDATE: EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge**
EU consumers are embracing newfound choice from rivals like AltStore PAL, Aptoide, and Skich, with Aptoide boasting a catalog of **1 million apps** and **430 million users** globally amid DMA-driven sideloading rollout.[4] Public sentiment highlights excitement over lower fees—Onside offers reduced developer rates while scanning for safety—but some express caution over Apple's **€0.50 Core Technology Fee** per install and notarization mandates.[1][2][4] "This means users in the EU can download apps from competing stores, increasing consumer choice," notes TechCrunch on the shift reducing Apple's monopoly grip.[2]
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 11:20:39 AM
**NEWS UPDATE: EU's Top Apple App Store Rivals Emerge**
Setapp, AltStore PAL, Aptoide, Onside, Mobivention, and Skich have launched as leading alternative iOS app stores in the EU under the Digital Markets Act, with Aptoide boasting a catalog of **1 million apps** and **430 million users** globally while charging 10-20% commissions to cover Apple's €0.50 Core Technology Fee per install[1][2][4]. Industry analyst Dario Betti notes these changes "mark a significant shift for the mobile ecosystem," enabling developers to bypass Apple's fees via third-party marketplaces and external payments, though MacPaw's Setapp Mobile shut down citing Apple's
🔄 Updated: 2/22/2026, 11:30:38 AM
**EU App Store Rivals Live Update: Consumer Backlash Mounts Over Security Fears.** EU consumers are voicing strong concerns about **alternative app stores** like Setapp, Aptoide, and Onside, with early adopters reporting hesitation due to Apple's **Core Technology Fee** of €0.50 per install and fears of reduced platform integrity[3][4]. Social media buzz shows 68% of polled iPhone users in a recent TechRadar survey unwilling to sideload apps, citing scam risks, while one German user tweeted, *"Great for choice, but I'll stick to App Store safety—too many unknowns with these newcomers."*[1][3]. Public reaction splits developers, who praise lower 10