Launch of Controversial App Marks a New Era for Third-Party Stores in Europe
This week, the introduction of the globe’s inaugural “Apple-approved adult content app” took place on AltStore PAL, a third-party application marketplace operating in Europe. This development is a direct outcome of the recently implemented Digital Markets Act (DMA).
However, Apple has rejected this classification outright. The tech giant expressed its disapproval by stating that it does not endorse the app and criticized the European Union’s DMA for potentially subjecting users to inappropriate or illegal services, including adult content and other materials typically barred from its own App Store.
— AltStore.io (@altstoreio) February 3, 2025
The Impetus Behind Change: EU Regulatory Action
The European Commission has mandated that Apple broaden its service offerings to foster competition within the industry. This regulatory pressure permits consumers to access alternative application stores such as AltStore, which enjoys backing from Epic Games—a firm known for its prolonged opposition to Apple’s app distribution model.
Image showcasing AltStore PAL’s interface as a third-party iOS application hub.
Concerns Over Safety and Market Control
In response, AltStore argued that Apple’s claim reflects an ongoing tendency to exploit safety concerns as an excuse to maintain monopolistic control over app distribution while evading compliance with regulations outlined in the DMA.
Source: Via Twitter
