What third-party app stores may imply for the iPhone

In reaction to upcoming European Union restrictions, Apple is apparently working on major modifications to iOS and the App Store. Bloomberg reports that the corporation is exploring enabling other app shops on its smartphones. Now, AltStore creator Riley Testut has offered his opinions on iOS having official support for third-party app shops.

For those who are unfamiliar, the AltStore is an alternative app store for iOS that can be loaded even without a jailbreak with the help of some development tools. Users would be able to install AltStore on their iPhones and iPads without any system tweaks or gimmicks if Apple ultimately enables third-party app stores for iOS.

But what is Testut's take on the situation? Despite the fact that the developer established the AltStore, he feels that exposing iOS to any alternative to the App Store might be damaging to users. And here is why.

Alternative app stores have the potential to 'disrupt' user experience.

The Software Store "plays a crucial role" in preserving the integrity and security of iOS, according to Testut, because every app offered there must meet Apple's criteria and go through a review process. Despite acknowledging that the App Store has "flaws," the developer describes it as "a single destination people trust."

According to the developer, having other app stores on iOS will most likely "disrupt" the overall experience for both consumers and developers. Aside from security problems, App Store developers do not have to worry about money or distribution.


Testut also believes that certain large corporations, such as Meta, may wish to develop their own store in order to escape the App Store standards. Users would be forced to install several app stores on their smartphones in order to discover all of the programs they require. Simultaneously, these businesses may pay other developers to transfer their programs from the official App Store to theirs.

"Now you HAVE to use 3 different app stores, or else you’ll lose access to the apps you’re already using! So yes, it’s a choice — but the choice is NOT “do I use 3rd party stores to get cool new apps” Instead it’s: do I use 3rd party stores just to keep using my current apps."

The author of AltStore believes that side-loading is the best way for Apple to comply with the new European Union rule while simultaneously preserving the App Store and its developers.

For Testut, forcing users to sideload software on a Mac would restrict the amount of firms interested in selling apps outside of the App Store, while developers like him could deliver their projects to customers without using any tactics.

"In this scenario, there’s little incentive for successful apps to leave the App Store — the process to sideload apps would deter the less tech-savvy, reducing their potential user base. But for apps not allowed in the App Store, like my own app Delta? They can finally exist!"

Because we're still talking about a rumor, any suggestions on how Apple may open iOS to third-party app stores are purely hypothetical for the time being.

While Testut makes some compelling points regarding the App Store's importance to iOS and its customers' security, enabling rival app stores or even sideloading directly on the iPhone and iPad is unlikely to change anything for the great majority of users.

Take a peek at how Android operates. There are alternate app shops available, as well as the ability to install software from other sources. Nonetheless, all of the major players have applications available on the Google Play Store. Because most normal users have no understanding what sideloading is, and the Play Store is still the primary place people go to download a new app.

If anything similar happens with iOS, Apple's App Store will continue to be the site where most consumers (and developers) go to obtain and distribute their apps. Even Mark Zuckerberg would be insane to remove his applications from one of the world's most successful internet marketplaces.