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 likely encountered the challenge of Apple's protective stance over its platform. However, recent legal developments have started to change this, and following the Epic Games Store's entry into iOS, another contender, Aptoide, has now joined the fray.

We previously covered Aptoide during its initial beta phase in mid-2024. Now, all EU iOS users can download Aptoide for free. While Aptoide boldly claims to be the first alternative app store on iOS, it's worth noting that the Epic Games Store actually preceded it in full release by a few months.

What sets Aptoide apart is its broader range of offerings. Unlike the Epic Games Store, which focuses primarily on gaming, Aptoide provides a wider selection of general apps. Additionally, Aptoide introduces an innovative feature allowing users to choose specific versions of apps, a functionality previously exclusive to Android users.

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While my initial 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 phase. The Epic Games Store, while a third-party option, is still backed by a major industry player, which differentiates it from Aptoide's more independent approach.

For those who have been following the Epic v Apple legal battles and the subsequent opening of iOS to alternative app stores, this development is promising. It will be interesting to see if Aptoide can successfully attract users who are dissatisfied with Apple's App Store.