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EU & Japan Open Doors to Alternative App Stores
22 Feb
Summary
- EU and Japan now allow alternative app stores due to new regulations.
- Developers face new fees and business terms for third-party distribution.
- Epic Games and AltStore PAL are among early adopters of new stores.
In the European Union and Japan, consumers can now access alternative app stores following the implementation of new regulations aimed at increasing market competition. The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) mandate that platforms like Apple must permit third-party app marketplaces.
Developers choosing to distribute through these alternative stores must accept new business terms. For example, Apple's terms in the EU include a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per first annual install for marketplace apps. In Japan, developers face a reduced commission of 10% to 21% and a 5% core technology fee.
Several alternative app stores have launched in response. AltStore PAL, co-created by developer Riley Testut, offers independent apps to EU users. Epic Games launched its own store in the EU in August 2024, featuring titles like Fortnite. Aptoide, known for its Android alternative, has also released an iOS version in the EU.
Other ventures include Mobivention's B2B marketplace for internal company apps and Skich's unique Tinder-like discovery interface in the EU. Onside has expanded its alternative app store to Japan as of February 17, 2026, promising lower developer rates and diverse payment options.
