AltStore PAL Eliminates Annual Subscription Fee with Epic Games Grant Support.

AltStore PAL Eliminates Annual Subscription Fee with Epic Games Grant Support.

AltStore PAL, a significant player in the third-party iOS app store ecosystem, has recently made a major change: the elimination of its annual subscription fee. This decision comes as a result of receiving a substantial grant from Epic Games, a move that has broad implications for the app distribution landscape. Understanding the context and impact of this development requires a comprehensive look at AltStore PAL, Epic Games’ MegaGrants program, and the future of app distribution on iOS. The Rise of AltStore PAL Established to offer an alternative to Apple’s official App Store, AltStore PAL caters to users who seek apps not available through Apple’s platform. It has carved out a niche by providing access to apps that may be restricted or unavailable due to Apple’s policies. Originally, AltStore PAL required users to pay an annual subscription fee of €1.50 plus tax. This fee was essential for covering the Core Technology Fee (CTF) imposed by Apple on third-party app marketplaces. The CTF …