The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a landmark piece of legislation enacted by the European Union (EU) that aims to promote competition and innovation within the digital market. One of the key provisions of the DMA is that it mandates large tech companies, designated as "gatekeepers," to allow users to install apps from third-party sources. This has had a significant impact on the iOS app ecosystem, leading to the emergence of several alternative app stores for iOS devices in Europe.

Aptoide

Aptoide is a rapidly growing third-party app store and distribution platform with over 430 million users and 1 million apps.

Key Features and Functions:

• Vast App Selection: Aptoide offers a vast library of apps, including many that are not available on the Google Play Store.
• User-Friendly Interface: Aptoide's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple to find and download apps.
• Open-Source Platform: Aptoide is an open-source platform, which means that anyone can develop and publish apps for it.
• Decentralized Structure: Aptoide's decentralized structure makes it more resistant to censorship and app takedowns.
• AppCoins Wallet: Aptoide's AppCoins Wallet provides a secure and convenient way to make payments within the app store.
• Catapult Platform: Aptoide's Catapult platform connects developers with alternative app stores, helping them to monetize their apps.

Overall, Aptoide is a powerful and versatile app store that offers a number of advantages over the Google Play Store. It is a great option for users who are looking for a wider selection of apps, more freedom, and a more secure and user-friendly experience.

Mobivention

Mobivention is a company that provides a secure and efficient platform for distributing internal iOS apps to employees. This solution is particularly relevant in light of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that alternative app marketplaces be allowed for iOS apps.

Key Benefits:

• Secure app distribution for internal use
• Streamlined deployment to enhance productivity
• Control over app distribution and user access

Mobivention empowers businesses to manage internal app distribution effectively, fostering a secure and productive work environment.

AltStore PAL 

AltStore PAL is a new feature for AltStore that allows developers to create extensions to support other platforms and functionalities.

The new app marketplace is arriving with two apps developed by Riley Testut: Delta, an emulator capable of playing NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS games; and Clip, a clipboard manager that’s forbidden by Apple. The store is the work of Testut and his business partner Shane Gill.

AltStore PAL is integrating its marketplace with Patreon for monetization, and will support developers who want to distribute beta apps as a reward for crowd-sourced funding, which isn’t allowed in the App Store. Delta is free to help offset the CTF, but downloading Clip requires a minimum monthly Patreon pledge of €1 (plus tax).

Setapp Mobile

Setapp Mobile, a subscription-based service that offers a collection of productivity apps, has launched an invite-only beta in the EU.

The platform provides users with access to a variety of iPhone apps without the limitations of freemium models, including reduced features, ads, upgrade prompts, or unnecessary purchases.

However, the current method for acquiring Setapp Mobile apps is cumbersome, requiring users to navigate through multiple steps and websites.

Setapp Mobile addresses this issue by providing a centralized platform for app installation and subscription management.

The beta program is currently free for those who joined the waitlist, while the official launch will require a yet-to-be-announced subscription fee.