If you've been on the hunt for an alternative to the iOS App Store, you've likely hit a brick wall due to Apple's staunch protection of its exclusive ecosystem. But the tides are turning. Following years of legal battles, the landscape began to shift last year, and now, after the Epic Games Store made its entrance on iOS, Aptoide has stepped into the arena as a new contender for EU iOS users.
You might remember our coverage of Aptoide's initial beta back in mid-2024. Well, the wait is over; Aptoide is now freely available for all EU iOS users to download and explore. While Aptoide proudly claims to be the first alternative app store on iOS, eagle-eyed tech enthusiasts will note that the Epic Games Store actually beat them to the punch in full release. Yet, Aptoide isn't just another gaming-focused platform. It distinguishes itself by offering a broader range of apps, including general utilities, and an innovative feature allowing users to choose specific versions of apps, a perk previously exclusive to Android users.
While my tone might hint at skepticism, I genuinely believe Aptoide holds a strong claim to being the first general, third-party app store on iOS, particularly when considering their beta period. The Epic Games Store, while technically third-party, is still backed by a major industry player. In contrast, Aptoide presents itself as a true alternative, offering a wider array of choices to iOS users.
For those of us who've followed the Epic v Apple legal drama and the subsequent opening of iOS to more storefronts, this development is exciting. Now, the real question is whether Aptoide can capture the attention of iOS users who are dissatisfied with the Apple App Store. It's a space worth watching closely.
