AltStore PAL recently expanded its offerings to include a range of new apps, marking a significant shift in the app ecosystem for iPhone users in the European Union. This development comes after the introduction of the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which has reduced Apple’s control over app distribution, allowing third-party app stores to operate on iOS devices.
One of the most notable inclusions is iTorrent, the first torrent client available for iOS that does not require jailbreaking. This app, along with qBitControl—a remote client for managing qBittorrent software—offers users the ability to handle torrents directly on their iPhones or iPads. The availability of these torrenting apps on AltStore PAL is particularly significant as Apple has historically banned such apps from its App Store due to concerns over copyright infringement.
In addition to torrenting apps, AltStore PAL has also introduced PeopleDrop, a social discovery app designed to connect users with others in their vicinity. This app adds a unique dimension to the platform, offering features akin to dating and social networking within the constraints of location-based services. Meanwhile, UTM SE, another new addition, provides the capability to run virtual machines, allowing users to emulate operating systems such as Windows and Linux on their iOS devices. Interestingly, UTM SE is the only app from this new batch that is also available on Apple’s App Store, highlighting a subtle shift in Apple’s policies regarding emulators and similar apps.
The rollout of these apps on AltStore PAL, just three months after its launch, highlights the impact of the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This legislation has been instrumental in creating a more competitive and open digital marketplace, enabling alternative app stores like AltStore PAL to flourish.
However, this newfound freedom comes with a caveat. Users must weigh the benefits of accessing a broader range of apps against potential security and privacy risks. Torrenting apps, in particular, carry inherent risks due to their association with content piracy. While AltStore PAL has made efforts to ensure the safety of its app offerings, the responsibility ultimately falls on users to make informed decisions about the apps they choose to install.
As AltStore PAL continues to grow, it will be interesting to observe how Apple responds to this challenge. The company’s historical stance on app approval, especially concerning controversial apps like torrent clients, will likely be tested.
