The Best Alternative App Stores for iOS

Epic Games Store

Epic Games launched the Epic Games Store in 2018 on Windows and macOS, following the success of Fortnite and as a direct competitor to Steam—currently the world’s largest digital distribution platform, developed by Valve Corporation.

In August 2024, Epic Games expanded its store to include Android and iOS apps. While we can only speculate, a likely motivation was Fortnite’s removal from the official iOS App Store in 2020, after Epic Games violated Apple’s terms of service by implementing its own in-app payment system to bypass Apple’s 30% commission on paid apps.

Epic Games is the second largest iOS store

The Epic Games Store is now the second-largest app and game marketplace, boasting 270 million users across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. While its catalog primarily caters to PC users, it offers over 2,900 titles and continues to expand. Epic has also announced the arrival of free iOS games, including Bloons TD 6 and Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee.

While this store is exclusively for games, it’s a must-have if you want to play Fortnite on your iPhone or iPad. Beyond Fortnite, the Epic Games Store offers a growing selection of free games, exclusives, and popular iOS titles—expanding an already impressive 2,900+ game library.

Aptoide iOS

We’re including the Aptoide iOS app store, even though it’s currently available only as a closed launch. Access is granted on a case-by-case basis, but it appears that most users are approved. Simply register your email on their Download page, and you’ll receive a code via email, allowing you to start using this alternative iOS app store.

Aptoide, based in Portugal, was originally created in 2009 as a summer project for Android devices. However, it quickly gained popularity and became a registered business. In 2024, Aptoide expanded its offerings to include an iOS app store.

How Aptoide differs from other app stores

Unlike the official App Store and most third-party alternatives, Aptoide is decentralized. Rather than operating as a single, centralized store, Aptoide allows individuals to run their own iOS app stores.

However, this decentralized structure makes no difference to you as a user—you can still search Aptoide’s entire app library through the search bar on both their website and Aptoide app.

A large catalog across multiple devices

In addition to offering apps for iOS and Android, Aptoide provides apps for tablets, SmartTVs, STBs, VR devices, and even devices designed specifically for children.

With over 430,000 daily visitors, Aptoide boasts a catalog of more than one million apps. While the iOS selection is still a small part of this massive library, it continues to grow with new apps added daily.

More relaxed content policies

Aptoide has more relaxed content regulations than other alternative app stores, making it a go-to place for apps not available elsewhere. This includes piracy apps, as well as older versions of apps—which some users prefer when newer updates remove features or introduce unwanted changes (such as ads or mandatory sign-ups).

No account required—except for iOS

One of Aptoide’s conveniences is that you don’t need an account to download apps. However, for now, the iOS version requires signing up due to its closed-launch phase. If you don’t mind being an early adopter, go ahead and register—but if you’d rather wait, Aptoide will likely remove the email requirement once the store is open to everyone.

Growing selection of iOS apps

The Aptoide iOS marketplace currently has a limited selection but includes indie titles such as A Cat’s Tale, Squadblast, and Trivial Drive. The platform plans to expand its library weekly, focusing on freemium games with in-app purchases and rewards.

AltStore PAL

The original AltStore was launched by Texas native and indie app developer Riley Testut in 2019. To install apps on an iOS device, users had to jailbreak their iPhones—a process that only the most tech-savvy could perform.

That all changed when the EU forced Apple to allow third-party app marketplaces to prevent monopolization. Soon after, Riley released his alternative iOS app store, called AltStore PAL, in the summer of 2024. Jailbreaking is no longer required, and apps can now be installed directly onto iPhones and iPads.

The $2 signup fee is now waived

Originally, there was a $2 annual fee to use AltStore PAL, but after receiving a grant, the developer made the app marketplace free of charge. While the fee may be reintroduced once the grant expires, for now, you can enjoy a free iOS app marketplace.

Core apps featured in AltStore PAL

In addition to offering alternative apps that aren’t available on Apple’s official App Store, AltStore PAL features four core apps:

• UTM SE: A virtual machine that allows you to run Windows and Linux OS on your iOS device.
• iTorrent: A torrent client for sharing and downloading files over the internet.
• qBitControl: An app for managing the desktop version of qBittorrent.
• PeopleDrop: A dating platform that helps you find people nearby.

You’ll also find Delta, the developer’s pet project—an emulator that lets you play your favorite retro console games.

The iOS app catalog is still limited

While the app selection is currently small, it’s expected to grow over time. Recently, AltStore PAL announced the arrival of Epic Games, bringing popular titles like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys to iOS devices.

AltStore PAL promises that all listed apps are reviewed to meet security standards.

If you’d like to install AltStore PAL on your iPhone or iPad, you can do so here.

TutuApp

TutuApp is a well-known alternative app store for iOS and Android, offering a vast library of apps and games.

This alternative iOS app marketplace launched in China in 2016 and has since become particularly favored for providing modified versions of popular apps and games—often with additional features and unlocked (free) content.

Be aware of unofficial apps

If you use this store, be aware that some apps may not be endorsed or approved by their original developers. TutuApp is an unofficial app store, so some of the apps available might not be authorized by the original developers.

TutuApp has an extensive library with several thousand apps and games. The exact number can vary as new apps are added or removed daily.

Choose between VIP and free versions

TutuApp offers both a VIP version and a free version. The free version relies on enterprise certificates, which are available for download when they can be found on the market. However, these certificates may be revoked by Apple at any time, meaning you’ll have to wait for new certificates to become available before you can continue using the free version.

Alternatively, you can opt for the VIP version, which uses more stable certificates. If the VIP certificate is revoked, TutuApp will provide you with a new certificate.

Rich functionality, but with risk

Due to its unofficial nature and the wide range of third-party apps it offers, it’s always a good idea to be cautious when downloading and using iOS apps—especially regarding privacy and security. TutuApp is considered a gray-market app store, meaning it carries some risk, so be careful if you decide to use it.

VIP membership costs

The VIP membership costs:

• $16.99 for one year
• $25.99 for four years
• $29.99 for a lifetime license

Please note that the membership is tied to one device only. If you later need it on another device, you will need to purchase a new VIP membership.

Setapp

The Setapp Mobile app store was launched in 2016 by MacPaw, the creator of the Mac cleaner CleanMyMac X. Setapp initially offered curated, high-quality apps for Mac users.

Within its first year, this Ukraine-based app marketplace announced it had surpassed 10,000 subscribers, primarily from the US.

Setapp expands to iOS

As the Digital Markets Act by the EU took shape, Setapp quickly released its third-party iOS app marketplace, offering iPhone and iPad owners the option to download premium iOS apps without going through Apple’s official App Store.

A curated catalog of high-quality apps

The app catalog features hand-picked apps that Setapp staff consider to be of exceptional quality. The criteria for listing apps include high value to the user, and Setapp actively weeds out apps with in-app purchases, advertisements, or harmful content. Additionally, they do not list iOS apps that require additional software downloads or invade user privacy.

The Setapp subscription costs

Unlike traditional app stores, Setapp is a subscription-based service. They offer a free 7-day trial to access their app library. After the trial period ends, there are different subscription tiers seen below.

• $12.49 per month after the 7-day free trial
• Save 10% with an annual subscription, bringing it to $11.24 per month
• Account can be tied to 4 iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) and 1 Mac

Before signing up, you can preview the 250+ available app titles.

Unlike traditional app stores, Setapp is a subscription-based catalog. They offer a free 7-day trial to access their app library. Once the trial runs out, the monthly subscription fee is $12.49 or you can save 10% by signing up for a year (that comes out to $11.24/month). Once the subscription is activated, you can tie the account to 4 iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) and 1 Mac.

Before signing up, it’s possible to take a look at the 250+ available app titles.

How to install apps from alternative iOS app store marketplaces outside the EU territory

If you’re in the EU territory, please skip this section and move on to the section below titled “How to Install Apps from Alternative iOS App Store Marketplaces.”

If you’re outside the EU territory and want to sideload or install apps from alternative iOS app stores, follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service

• Subscribe to a VPN service such as NordVPN (they have a VPN app for iPhone and iPad you will use for the next steps)
• In the VPN app, change your region to an EU country
• Verify your VPN is working by checking that your IP location shows an EU country. Your can click here to check your VPN location.

2. Disable “Location Services” on your iPhone or iPad

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Privacy & Security
3. Disable Location Services by clicking the toggle button

3. Change your Apple App Store region on iPhone or iPad

1. Go to Settings and select your Apple ID profile
2. Go to Media & Purchases, and View Account
3. Select Country/Region and Change Country or Region
4. Select a new country or region from the list
5. Tap Agree

4. Change your GPS location on an iPhone or iPad

1. Download the free GPS location changer software 3uTools and install the software on your PC or Mac
2. Plug your iPhone or iPad into your computer, run 3uTools, click Toolbox, and click Virtual Location
3. Select a an EU territory, and click Modify virtual location.

Note: When you are done with GPS spoofing, you need to restart your iPhone to use your real GPS location again.

5. Install the alternative iOS app store

1. Continue to the steps in the next section How to Install Apps from Alternative iOS App Store Marketplaces

Disclaimer: We do not condone spoofing for illicit reasons or any other illegal activities. Please be sure to conform to all local laws and Apple’s terms of service.

How to install apps from alternative iOS app store marketplaces in the EU territory

1. Open the alternative app marketplace

• Open your web browser and go to the alternative app marketplace you want to install on your iOS device
• Note: Your iPhone must have iOS 17.4 or later, and your iPad must have iPadOS 18 or later

2. Download the App Store

• Locate and tap the “Install iOS App Store” link on the marketplace’s website

3. Approve the installation

• The first time you install a third-party app store, a message will appear requiring approval
• Go to Settings on your device and tap the message “Allow Apps from [Developer Name]” at the top of the screen

4. Confirm permissions

• Tap Allow to accept the message detailing what installing an alternative iOS app store means for your iPhone or iPad

5. Complete the installation

• Once installation is allowed, return to the alternative iOS app store and follow their final instructions to complete the setup

How to install iOS apps directly from an iOS developer

1. Open the Developer’s Web Distribution Page

• Use your web browser to visit the developer’s web distribution page
• Note: Your iPhone must have iOS 17.4 or later, and your iPad must have iPadOS 18 or later

2. Download the App

• Tap the link provided on the developer’s website to download their app

3. Approve the Installation

• When installing an app from an iOS developer, you must first approve the installation
• Open Settings on your device and tap “Allow Apps from [Developer Name]” at the top of the screen

4. Confirm Permissions

• Read the notice explaining what installing a third-party iOS app from a developer means
• Tap Allow to proceed with the installation

5. Complete the Installation

• Return to the iOS developer’s website and follow their final steps to finish setting up the app

How to get alternative iOS app updates on your iPhone or iPad

Alternative iOS app updates work exactly like updates for apps downloaded from the official Apple App Store. If you have Automatic Downloads enabled, your iPhone or iPad will automatically update the app when a new version becomes available.

To check if Automatic Updates are turned on, go to:

Settings > Apps > App Installation

If you have Automatic Downloads turned off and prefer it that way, you can manually check for updates by visiting the app or the alternative app store. To do this:

Go to Settings > Apps, then tap on the name of the app or app store to check for updates manually.

How in-app purchases from alternative iOS app stores work

Unlike purchases made through the official Apple App Store, Apple will not provide support if you encounter any issues. Instead, you will need to contact the alternative app marketplace or the iOS developer for assistance. This applies to subscriptions, app purchases, and in-app purchases.

To check whether an app was downloaded from the Apple App Store or a third-party store:

Go to Settings > Tap on the app or app store to view its source.

Eligible countries within the EU region

iOS users living in the European Union (EU) can:

• Access a wider range of default apps (such as browsers).
• Remove certain built-in Apple apps.
• Install and use alternative iOS app stores.

The countries for easy installation of alternative iOS app stores include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
  • Åland Islands
• France
  • French Guiana
  • Guadeloupe
  • Martinique
  • Mayotte
  • Reunion
  • Saint Martin
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
  • Azores
  • Madeira
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
  • Canary Islands
• Sweden

Note: While Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), they may have different regulations regarding iOS app distribution.

This list will grow as more countries push Apple to allow alternative iOS app stores.

Final thoughts

Use common sense and caution when downloading apps from alternative iOS app stores. There are risks associated with installing apps from unknown developers who have not gone through the Apple Developer Program requirements. Some of these risks include malware, malicious code, phishing, pirated software, and exposure to harmful content. If you use well-known third-party iOS app stores, you are more likely to avoid malicious intent.

The advantage of using alternative iOS app stores is gaining access to a wider range of apps, often more useful than those available in Apple’s App Store. Apple imposes strict restrictions on app functionality, which limits what developers can and can’t offer. Additionally, alternative app stores bypass Apple’s 30% commission, making subscriptions, services, and in-app purchases more affordable.

If you choose to install apps from third-party sources, do so at your own risk. However, most reputable iOS app stores have their own validation systems in place to prevent harmful content, as it is in their best interest to maintain a clean and trustworthy app catalog.

Oh, and if you or a friend own an Android device, don’t miss our popular article on the 10 best alternative app stores for Android.

Need Help Publishing Your iOS App?

While our first choice for publishing apps is always the official Apple App Store, alternative iOS marketplaces can be great platforms for expanding your user base and increasing visibility.

At Inspire Visual, we specialize in iOS app development from start to finish. We hand-pick top-tier resources for every project and work exclusively with senior talent to ensure high-quality results. You can learn more about our app development phases and core strengths that set us above our competition.

If you’d like to see your app published in one of these iOS stores, contact us today at 407.434.9171 or email us to discuss your app project. We’d love to help bring your vision to life!