If you've been seeking alternatives to the iOS App Store, your options have been limited due to Apple's stringent control over its platform. However, recent legal developments have begun to shift this landscape, paving the way for new entrants. Following the launch of the Epic Games Store on iOS, Aptoide has now entered the fray, offering EU users a free, alternative app store.
We previously covered Aptoide during its beta phase in mid-2024, and now, all EU iOS users can freely download and explore this new storefront. While Aptoide boldly claims to be the first alternative app store on iOS, it's worth noting that the Epic Games Store did arrive a few months earlier. Nonetheless, Aptoide distinguishes itself with a broader range of offerings, including not just games but also general apps. A unique feature of Aptoide is the ability to choose specific versions of apps, a functionality previously exclusive to Android users.
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While my initial remarks might suggest a hint of skepticism, I genuinely believe Aptoide has a strong case for being considered the first general, third-party app store on iOS, especially considering its beta phase. The Epic Games Store, although a third-party option, is still operated by a significant industry player.
For those of us who have followed the Epic v Apple legal battle and the subsequent opening of iOS to additional storefronts, Aptoide's arrival is a promising development. As the market evolves, it will be fascinating to see if Aptoide can successfully attract users who are dissatisfied with the current offerings on iOS.
