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The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) required Apple to allow developers to distribute apps through alternative app stores (or app marketplaces) in member states. However, these developers will have to pay Apple a core technology fee after reaching a certain number of downloads. To make things easier for small developers, AltStore offers a Patreon-backed app.
AltStore App Marketplace now available to EU users with Patreon integration
For those unfamiliar, AltStore is an alternative app store available on iOS long before DMA existed. However, for EU users, developer Riley Testut has decided to launch AltStore as an official app marketplace, following all guidelines Apple has established under the DMA.
First, Apple said it would charge a core technology fee (CTF) of €0.50 per install per year for apps popular enough to register more than 1 million downloads per year. But this has worried smaller developers who may not have enough money to pay fees if their apps become popular overnight.
To help developers pay Apple's fees and monetize their apps, Testut said: Tech Crunch The app has custom integration with Patreon so users can make purchases. For example, AltStore plans to soon make beta versions of Delta (a Nintendo emulator) and Clip (a clipboard manager) available through Patreon to those who pay $3 per month.
“This integration will create new business models for apps that would not be allowed unless the DMA went into effect,” Testut said.
EU not satisfied with Apple's terms
However, one thing to keep in mind is that Apple may eventually have no choice but to scrap CTF. That's because the European Commission recently announced that it's not satisfied with the changes Apple has made to comply with the DMA and will investigate whether it violates the regulations.
When asked specifically about the risk of bankruptcy for small developers, Apple said it was “working” to improve conditions for developers in the EU. The company has no plans yet to roll out its app marketplace to other countries unless required to do so by law. This may soon be implemented in the United States.
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