If you've been on the hunt for an alternative to the iOS App Store, you've likely faced challenges due to Apple's protective stance over its platform. However, following years of legal battles, the landscape began to shift last year, paving the way for new entrants. After the Epic Games Store made its debut on iOS, Aptoide has now joined the fray, offering EU users a free alternative app store.
We previously covered Aptoide during its initial beta phase in mid-2024, and now, all EU iOS users can download and explore Aptoide at no cost. While Aptoide boldly claims to be the first alternative storefront on iOS, it's worth noting that the Epic Games Store actually launched its full release a few months earlier.
What sets Aptoide apart is its diverse range of offerings. Unlike the Epic Games Store, which primarily focuses on gaming, Aptoide provides a broader selection of general apps. Additionally, Aptoide introduces an innovative feature allowing users to choose the version of an app they wish to use—a functionality previously exclusive to Android users and now available on their iOS platform.
Alternatively, yoursWhile 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 period. The Epic Games Store, while a third-party option, is still operated by a major industry player, whereas Aptoide offers a more independent alternative.
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 positive development. Now, the focus will be on whether Aptoide can successfully attract users who are dissatisfied with Apple's App Store.
