If you've been searching for an alternative to the iOS App Store, you've largely been out of luck, as Apple has been fiercely protective of its walled garden. However, following years of legal battles, the landscape began to shift last year, and after the arrival of the Epic Games Store on iOS, a new contender has emerged: Aptoide.
For those who followed our earlier coverage, you might remember Aptoide's initial beta launch in mid-2024. Now, all EU iOS users can download Aptoide for free and explore its offerings. While Aptoide boldly claims to be the first alternative app store on iOS, it's worth noting that the Epic Games Store beat them to a full release by a few months.
What sets Aptoide apart is its wider range of offerings. Unlike the Epic Games Store, which focuses primarily on gaming, Aptoide provides a broader selection of general apps. Additionally, Aptoide introduces an innovative feature allowing users to select the version of an app they wish to use, a capability previously exclusive to Android users.
Alternatively, yoursWhile my initial remarks might hint at skepticism, I genuinely believe Aptoide has a strong claim to being the first third-party general app store on iOS, particularly considering its beta phase. The Epic Games Store, while technically third-party, is still operated by a major industry player.
For those of us who have been following the Epic vs. Apple legal battles and the subsequent opening of iOS to more storefronts, this development is encouraging. It will be interesting to see if Aptoide can successfully attract users who are dissatisfied with Apple's offerings.
