If you've been seeking an alternative to the iOS App Store, you've largely been out of luck, as Apple has fiercely guarded their proprietary ecosystem. However, following years of legal battles, the landscape began to shift last year, and after the Epic Games Store made its debut on iOS, Aptoide has now entered the fray as a new contender.
Those with a keen memory may recall our previous coverage of Aptoide during their initial beta phase in mid-2024. Now, Aptoide is fully available for free to all EU users on iOS, offering an alternative to the traditional App Store. While Aptoide boldly claims to be the first alternative storefront on iOS, it's worth noting that the Epic Games Store did precede them by a few months in full release.
What sets Aptoide apart, however, is its broader range of offerings. Unlike the Epic Games Store, which focuses primarily on gaming, Aptoide provides a more general selection of apps. Additionally, Aptoide introduces an innovative feature allowing users to choose specific versions of apps, a functionality previously exclusive to Android users and now available only on their platform.
Alternatively, yoursWhile my initial remarks might seem skeptical, I genuinely believe Aptoide has a strong case for being considered the first alternative app store, especially if we consider their beta period. The Epic Games Store, while a third-party option, is still operated by a major industry player.
For those of us who have been following the Epic v Apple legal battle and the subsequent opening of iOS to more app stores, this is promising news. Now, the real test will be whether Aptoide can successfully attract users who are dissatisfied with Apple's offerings.
