Apptoide: First Free iOS App Store Now Available in EU

If you've been on the hunt for an alternative to the iOS App Store, you've likely faced challenges due to Apple's tight control over its ecosystem. However, recent changes spurred by legal battles have begun to break down these barriers. Following the launch of the Epic Games Store on iOS, another contender, Aptoide, has now entered the fray, offering EU users a free alternative app store.

As previously mentioned in our coverage of Aptoide's mid-2024 beta, this platform is now fully accessible to all iOS users within the EU. While Aptoide boldly claims to be the first alternative app store on iOS, it's worth noting that the Epic Games Store actually launched a few months earlier. Yet, Aptoide distinguishes itself by offering a broader range of apps beyond just gaming. This includes an innovative feature allowing users to choose specific versions of apps, a functionality that was previously exclusive to Android users and is now available on iOS through Aptoide.

Alternatively, yoursWhile my initial remarks might hint at skepticism, I genuinely believe Aptoide has a strong case for being the first general, third-party app store on iOS, particularly when considering its beta phase. The Epic Games Store, although a third-party option, is still operated by a major industry player.

For those of us who have been following the Epic v Apple legal battle and the subsequent opening of iOS to more storefronts, Aptoide's arrival is a promising development. It will be interesting to see how Aptoide appeals to users who are dissatisfied with the current offerings from Apple.