AltStorePAL Abolishes Annual Fee, EpicGames Funding Fuels App Distribution Innovation

AltStorePAL Abolishes Annual Fee, EpicGames Funding Fuels App Distribution InnovationAltStorePAL, a third-party app store for iOS devices in the European Union, has announced the removal of its 1.5 (around $1

AltStorePAL Abolishes Annual Fee, EpicGames Funding Fuels App Distribution Innovation

AltStorePAL, a third-party app store for iOS devices in the European Union, has announced the removal of its 1.5 (around $1.6) annual subscription fee. This decision was made possible thanks to funding from Epic Games, the developer of "Fortnite."

Previously, AltStorePAL charged a yearly fee to cover Apple's Core Technology Fee (CTF), a payment required by Apple for every app installed on a third-party app store. AltStorePAL, being a Sideload-based iOS app store, bypasses Apple's App Store review process, necessitating the payment of the CTF for its operations.

Through its "MegaGrants" program, Epic Games supports promising projects, often focusing on small teams utilizing Epic's technology, aiming to promote innovation in game development and related fields. The grant to AltStorePAL stems from its efforts in "app distribution innovation."

While the exact funding amount remains undisclosed, AltStorePAL assures existing subscribers their subscriptions will be waived upon renewal and plans to reward current subscribers in future updates. This suggests Epic Games' funding will facilitate further development and the introduction of enhanced features and services to AltStorePAL.

The abolishment of AltStorePAL's annual fee and Epic Games' funding bring positive news for iOS app developers and users. It underscores the growing role of third-party app stores within the iOS ecosystem and reflects Epic Games' commitment to supporting app distribution innovation.

Epic Games is also developing its own iOS version of the Epic Games Store, having announced earlier this week that it has submitted the final notarization applications for the store, the game "Fortnite," and "Rocket League Sideswipe" to Apple. This signals Epic Games' direct challenge to Apple's App Store monopoly and aims to offer more options for iOS users.

The actions of AltStorePAL and Epic Games are expected to have a significant impact on Apple's App Store ecosystem. As third-party app stores and game developers continue their efforts, iOS users will have more choices and access to a more diverse and open app distribution ecosystem.