AltStore will add support for sideloading Patreon-supported iPhone apps in the EU

Last month, Apple introduced the ability to sideload iPhone apps in the European Union (EU) to comply with Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations, and users who have updated to iOS 17.4 will soon be able to install Patreon-supported apps via the AltStore, alternative app stores designed to enable sideloading on iOS. As a result, developers will have an alternative method of monetizing their apps in the EU, while avoiding Apple’s commission for apps distributed through the App Store.

In a Threads post, AltStore developer Riley Testut stated that the popular sideloader will soon be available in the EU as an alternative App Marketplace, which would be fully compliant with Apple’s policies for third-party app stores in the region. Testut also shared a screenshot of the process of installing the app through the AltStore App Marketplace, which appears to take no more than a few taps.

It’s worth remembering that even developers who distribute free apps will have to pay Apple an underlying technology fee of EUR 0.5 (roughly Rs 45) for each user once the app has been downloaded more than a million times. Since the number of downloads also includes app updates, the CTF could be applied to several apps that are becoming extremely popular in third-party app stores.

Testut informed TechCrunch that AltStore App Marketplace in the EU will allow developers to offer Patreon-backed apps, offering the equivalent of in-app purchases or subscriptions available in Apple’s App Store. Revenue from these Patreon memberships could provide access to certain apps or features, while also allowing developers to monetize their apps or games.

EU iPhone owners using the AltStore App Marketplace will soon be able to install beta versions of the Clip clipboard manager and Nintendo emulator Delta after becoming Patreon members — it costs $3 (roughly Rs 250) per month, the developer told the publication. Users will be able to download the standard version of Delta for free, while a $1 Patreon membership will grant access to the stable version of the clipboard manager.