Thanks to funding from Epic Games, AltStore PAL, a third-party iOS app store, is now free.
This implies that both new users and current EU app store subscribers won't be charged an annual subscription price when it comes time to renew.
Concerning AltStore PAL
When AltStore first debuted in 2019, it was a workaround that let iPhone customers download apps from stores other than the official App Store.
When EU antitrust laws forced Apple to allow third-party app stores, relaunching as AltStore PAL, it was given a completely new lease on life. A few weeks ago, third-party apps were added to this, which was previously exclusive to apps created by Riley Testut, the company's own developer.
According to Apple's guidelines, developers operating unapproved app stores must pay a Core Technology Fee (CTF) of €0.50 annually. Testut was charging consumers €1.50 a year to cover this fee as well as other costs.
AltStore PAL is now free.
The business declared that it will utilize the grant that Epic Games has now extended to it to pay for the CTF. This implies that it won't need to impose a subscription fee.
GLORIOUS NEWS FROM EU 🌪🌻 We are grateful to Epic Games for their MegaGrant funding, which we will utilize to pay Apple's Core Technology Fee in the future for innovative app distribution.
What does this signify? Now, AltStore PAL is completely free; no subscription is required 🎉
It stated that current subscribers won't be billed when their subscription renews, so they don't need to take any action.
Additionally, Testut states that the business intends to "show our appreciation for our existing subscribers in a future update," but it is unclear exactly how this will be accomplished.
The Opinion of 9to5Mac
Even with the extremely low cost of the subscription, installing the app store was still made difficult. Its removal increases the likelihood that those who fit the description of "curious but not sure what it's all about" will do so.
For Epic Games, it's inexpensive and effective PR. In fact, it might end up costing nothing at all. The European Union has declared its dissatisfaction with Apple's new conditions and initiated an inquiry into possible non-adherence to its antitrust laws.
This investigation revolves around the CTF, which can be considered unlawful. In such case, Epic's donation might be worthless.
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