AltStore losing interest?

Retro gaming fans will be delighted: the Delta emulator is coming to iPhone thanks to AltStore, the first official third-party app store for iOS. On the other hand, AltStore is paid. Outside the European Union… The Delta app is available for free on the App Store.

This week marked a bit of history for tech lovers: the arrival of the first official third-party app store for the iPhone, thanks to the DMA (Digital Markets Act). Her name ? Alternative PAL store.

AltStore is an iOS app distribution platform developed by Riley Testut and his team. At the moment, AltStore is still completely empty, but it already allows you to download Deltaa very famous emulator for retro games for NES, SNES, N64 and DS on iPhone.

Thus, the interest of AltStore is to have access to applications that are not available in the official Apple App Store. However, it is important to note that AltStore is paid: 1.50 euros excluding tax per year.

Delta: free emulator on the App Store outside the EU

But this morning we learned that the Delta emulator is available for free on the App Store outside the European Union. In other words, European users currently pay to download AltStore, while users from non-European countries can access Delta for free on the official App Store.

News that risks dampening the enthusiasm around AltStore, but which also raises questions about Apple’s business practices and competition in the mobile app market when we see situations like this. Indeed, Apple does not allow apps to be distributed on the App Store or any other iOS app store.

AltStore vs App Store: what’s the difference for European users?

For European users, the main difference between AltStore and the official App Store is the availability of certain applications. AltStore provides access to applications that are not available in the official App Store, but are compatible with iOS. At least in theory. However, AltStore is still in development and its app catalog is currently limited.