Wired
The game emulator app “Delta”, which has finally appeared on the App Store, can only be downloaded in the European Union (EU) through the newly opened third-party app store “AltStore PAL”. This time, we will reveal the whole story of AltStore PAL.
Apps do not need to follow guidelines
AltStore PAL is a third-party app store launched by Riley Testat, the creator of the game emulator “Delta,” which is popular for its stable operation.
Third-party app stores are only allowed within the EU, as the App Store is deemed exclusive by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), allowing apps to be distributed without going through Apple.
This does not mean that app reviews will disappear; both automated and human reviews will continue, but third-party app stores will no longer require app content and business practices to adhere to App Store guidelines. It will now be possible to distribute apps that were previously not allowed to be published.
Store available for just 250 yen per year
According to a press release published by developer Testat, AltStore PAL is a sideloadable app that can be downloaded to the iPhone via the website.
At first, AltStore PAL will only distribute the game emulator “Delta” and the clipboard application “Clip” developed by Mr. Testat himself, but it will eventually be opened to other users.
The fee structure is a concern, but the annual usage fee is kept quite low at 1.50 euros (about 250 yen).
Apps installed through AltStore PAL will not incur any fees to Apple up to 1 million installs per year, but beyond that you will have to pay a Core Technology Fee (CTF) of €0.50 per install. It won’t.
However, the exception is App Marketplace apps, which require a fee to be paid to Apple each time they are installed, so after careful calculations they decided to set the price at 1.50 euros per year.
What kind of apps will be available in the future?
It seems that not all of the apps that have not been allowed to be posted on the App Store include gambling or adult content, and there are many that provide risqué features.
For example, the app “UTM” is a virtual machine for iOS and iPadOS that can run Windows, but it does not comply with the guidelines “5.2 Intellectual Property” for trademarks, copyrighted works, and patented works. Apps may not use protected third-party materials, such as ideas, without permission, and were previously not available for distribution on the App Store.
In addition, the iOS 4 interface called “OldOS”, which has been remade with SwiftUI, is a guideline “5.2.5 Apple Products” that describes “Apple’s existing products, interfaces (such as Finder), apps (App Store, iTunes Store, Messages “Creating similar apps that may cause confusion with advertising themes, etc.” is not permitted.” This has not been allowed, so we will not be able to publish them in the future. It’s like it’s possible.
Source: Introducing AltStore PAL/Riley Testut
Source: iPhone Mania