Apptoide: First Free iOS App Store Now Available in EU

If you've been searching for an alternative to the iOS App Store, you've largely been out of luck due to Apple's protective stance on its platform. However, the landscape is changing. After years of legal battles, the market began to open up last year. Following the launch of the Epic Games Store on iOS, another contender has entered the fray: Aptoide.

As some of you may remember, we previously discussed Aptoide during its initial beta phase in mid-2024. Now, all EU iOS users can download Aptoide for free and explore its offerings. While Aptoide boldly claims to be the first alternative app store on iOS, it's worth noting that the Epic Games Store beat them to a full release by a few months.

What sets Aptoide apart is its diverse range of offerings. Unlike the Epic Games Store, which primarily focuses on gaming, Aptoide offers a broader selection of general apps. Additionally, it introduces an innovative feature allowing users to choose the version of an app they want to install—a feature previously exclusive to Android users and now available on Aptoide's iOS platform.

Alternatively, yours

While my earlier remarks might seem skeptical, I believe Aptoide has a legitimate claim to being the first general, third-party app store on iOS, especially considering its beta period. The Epic Games Store, while a third-party option, is still operated by a major industry player. In contrast, Aptoide offers a more independent alternative.

For those who have followed the Epic vs. Apple legal battles and the subsequent opening of iOS to more app stores, Aptoide's arrival is promising news. Now, we'll be keenly observing whether Aptoide can successfully attract users dissatisfied with Apple's App Store.