Aptoidethe alternative app store that has shined on Android for almost 15 years, announced its arrival to the iPhone. Its creators opened the doors to a limited number of users, with a view to expanding in the near future. The implementation of the Digital Markets Law in Europe opened the door to third-party stores, so Aptoide could become the first major rival of the App Store.
The store launched a dedicated website for iOS where it defines itself as “The First Alternative App Store for iPhone.” While Aptoide is not the first to do so — AltStore PAL debuted a few weeks ago — its pedigree It makes us think that it could be the best alternative to the Apple store. The company will apply all the experience in Android to offer an attractive user experience for iOS users.
The first images show a simple user interface, with recommended apps in a top carousel. Users will have access to editorial curation, updates and bonuses, as well as a categories section. Each app’s pages include the basic description, reviews, images, videos, and technical information.
Unlike AltStore, Aptoide is free, which will give you a significant boost to position itself as an alternative to the App Store. The Android version includes all the most popular applicationssuch as WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok or Netflix, so it is expected that all of them will be available once it opens to the public.
How to install Aptoide on your iPhone for free
If you have an iPhone with iOS 17.4 and you live in Spain or another country in the European Union, you’re lucky. The Digital Markets Law allows the installation of alternative application stores and the acceptance of third-party payment systems. It is currently possible to install AltStore and the Setapp beta via a web download.
Aptoide is now available on iOS, although only for a limited number of users. If you’re interested you must sign up for a waiting list to obtain an access code by following these simple steps.
- Open your web browser from your iPhone and go to https://ios.store.aptoide.com/es
- Press the button “Discharge” to open a pop-up window
- Enter your email in the field and tap the ” buttonSend” to sign up for the waiting list
Once you get the access code, go to the settings on your iPhone to allow the use of an alternative store. The code will allow you to download the Aptoide store to install it on iOS and enjoy all the available applications and games.
What is Aptoide and how will it work on iOS?
Aptoide is one of the most popular independent Android stores, with more than 300 million users worldwide, 7 billion downloads and 1 million applications available. Aptoide is free, open source and available in several languages (including Spanish).
Unlike the Google Play Store, Aptoide is not a single, centralized store, but rather works as a decentralized network where users can create their own app repositories. Because it is not governed by the rules of the Play Store, applications may be more open and not have the same limitations in terms of content or functionality.
Although its arrival on the iPhone represents an important step in its opening strategy, You will not enjoy the same freedoms as on Android. To offer an alternative store on iOS, developers must agree to Apple’s terms of use.
“Apple will authorize developers after meeting specific criteria and committing to ongoing requirements that help protect users. Apps offered over the web must meet notarization requirements to protect the integrity of the platform, “
At the moment it is unknown Aptoide availability date for all iPhone users. It is worth mentioning that alternative stores only work in Europe, so if you live in Latin America your only option is to switch to Android or continue with the App Store.
