Top 7 Third-Party Alternatives to Apple App Store in 2025
Apple is finally opening up the iPhone to sideloading and alternative app stores — at least in the EU. It also allows developers to use third-party payment processors in their applications. This is all part of Apple's efforts to comply with the European Union's new Digital Markets Act (DMA).
1. Setapp Mobile
Main Features:
MacPaw is known for innovative and precision-engineered products, including CleanMyMac X, Setapp, ClearVPN, and Unarchiver.
MacPaw’s popular Setapp app store is coming to iOS.
Setapp offers a unique approach to the app store in that it offers all apps through a monthly subscription, rather than having users pay individual fees for the apps they want.
Setapp subscriptions start at an affordable $9.99. >>Setapp (Up To 15% Cash Back with Setapp)
Setapp offers over 240 apps. The subscription service will offer premium, ad-free apps from over 20 developers, including SnapMotion, PhotosRevive, Rocket Typist, Dropshare, Expenses, Elk, BusyCal, Letterly, Studies, Focused Work, Be Focused, Cloud Outliner, SideNotes, Awesome Habits, Elephas, GetSound, PDF Search, SQLPro Studio, Taskheat, and ClearVPN.
Provide customers with more choices and a better overall user experience.
Setapp is a mature, well-curated marketplace.
As a leading macOS and iOS software development company, MacPaw has many loyal users around the world, including those who use its app subscription service Setapp.
Setapp launched in 2017 offering access to over 60 paid Mac apps for $9.99 per month, but has since grown to over 240 curated apps, some examples include music software n-Track Studio, project planner MindNode and productivity app Session, most of which are not found in the Apple App Store.
Setapp Mobile by MacPaw will be available to EU iPhone users on iOS in April, allowing subscribers to third-party app stores to access a curated collection of apps.
Setapp subscribers on Mac already have access to a range of iOS apps via a QR code system, and the alternative app marketplace will offer a more streamlined experience.
Setapp currently offers three pricing models: a Mac-only option priced at $9.99/month; a Mac and iOS priced at $12.49/month; and a Power User priced at $14.99/month which allows you to use the applications on up to 4 Macs.
Users can access a wide range of productivity, creativity and system management tools without advertising and in-app purchases. Free updates ensure the latest versions and features are always available.
Those interested in access to Setapp Mobile are invited to join the waitlist.
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Best of all, Setapp offers a free 7-day trial which is useful for those looking to test out the full capabilities of the subscription and CleanMyMac X before purchasing.
2. Epic Games Store
Main Features:
Epic could open iOS game store in EU.
Fortnite will be available to download on iPhone.
Epic Games has announced that Apple has reinstated its developer account.
Epic Games has announced that it will bring the much-beloved battle royale game "Fortnite" back to the iPhone and iPad in 2025 -- but only in Europe.
Fortnite was removed from the iOS App Store at the start of the Epic Games v. Apple feud in 2020, and it has been unavailable since then. Epic Games did bring it to iPhones and iPads through Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW, but the game has only been accessible through these browser-based services.
The Fortnite maker says it will offer both the game and the Epic Games Stores on mobile in Europe, it shared in a blog post that looked at the year in review and what’s ahead in 2025.
Scheduled to launch in 2025, Epic Games Scotland AB will operate mobile versions of the Epic Games Store and Fortnite in Europe, with development led by the Store team. Epic Games Sweden has 3 studios and over 60 employees.
3. mobivention App Marketplace
Apple's App Store has always been the sole provider of iOS apps. However, under new EU regulations, Apple is forced to allow third-party app stores on iOS. Not long after news broke that Setapp was coming to iOS in the EU, another App Store alternative called mobivention popped up.
If you don’t know what mobivention is, it is a leading IT services provider that specializes in app and web development. Founded in 2003, the company is not new and has many years of experience serving clients of all sizes.
The mobivention App Marketplace isn't actually meant to host universal apps and games like the iOS App Store. Its purpose is to provide enterprise customers and other app developers with an alternative platform for simple and secure distribution of B2B and B2C iOS apps. Therefore, these applications will be business-oriented and not for entertainment.
Developers working with mobivention will have "simplified app publishing rules" compared to Apple's App Store, making the platform more attractive for enterprise apps.
We still have to wait and see how it will develop in the future, after all, it will only be launched on March 7, 2025. From now on, we will also update more content for you.
For further information, please visit: https://app-marketplace.eu/
You can find more information at https://mobivention.com
4. AltStore
Main Features:
AltStore is a free and open-source project
No need to jailbreak
Install open code
Easy access to third-party applications
Does not rely on developer certificates
Thousands of Altstore apps available
AltStore is one of the best third-party app stores for iOS devices that can be used without jailbreaking.
The app store does not rely on developer certificates, which sets it apart from other unofficial app installers such as TutuApp and TweakBox.
It allows the installation of third-party applications, provides open code, and this application loads just like in Cydia Impactor.
It allows users to download .ipa files that may not be available on the official App Store. You can download IPA files and install them using AltStore.
Using AltStore requires a computer. First, download AltServer to your Mac or PC and then use it to install AltStore to your iPhone or iPad.
Meanwhile, to use AltStore, users need to download Advanced Firewall. Additionally, the platform requires a Wi-Fi connection to install and update apps.
Additionally, you can download Altstore version 2.0 for better user interface and fast download process.
AltStore is a third-party app installer that allows sideloading of iOS apps that are not approved by the App Store. The store offers free and paid modding apps, games, and emulators for free. AltStore ensures that all applications are safe and trustworthy. You can explore and try new apps with confidence knowing your device is protected.
AltStore is a playground for those who like a customized experience. You can personalize settings and discover apps that truly fit your lifestyle and preferences.
More:
Riley Testut is already planning to launch an official EU version of "AltStore" in March, after the DMA comes into force.
Testut says developers will be able to publish their apps for free on AltStore, and that they’ve added “deep Patreon integration so that developers will be able to distribute Patreon-exclusive apps to just their patrons.” AltStore doesn’t plan to charge a commission on Patreon-exclusive apps, either.
You can follow AltStore on Mastodon, Threads and X; follow Riley Testut on Mastodon and Threads.
5. BuildStore
Main Features:
Comprises Above 300 Mobile Apps
No Malware or Viruses
24/7 Customer Service
Embeds “Request an App” Feature
Easy To Use
Safe, Trustworthy Alternative App Store for iOS
Over 800 Apps Available - Sideload your favorite apps such as: emulators, media, social media and more!
BuildStore is one of the most popular alternative app stores for iOS devices. It has over 15,000 daily active users, making it one of the most popular third-party app stores.
The biggest advantage of using BuildStore is that it is the oldest continuously running alternative app store in existence and is very easy to set up and use. Running stably since 2013, it has a flawless interface and the ability to install tweaked apps and games without jailbreaking.
Today it is a safe and secure store with over 800 games and constantly updated apps, with 20-30 new games and apps added every month.
These apps rarely appear on the Apple Store, which makes BuildStore a unique place to access them.
Traditional app stores don't let you play Pokémon and Mario on your iPhone. Not anymore. Now you can relive your childhood experiences on your phone with the help of this 3rd party app store!
BuildStore allows users to enjoy apps and games that have been rejected by Apple. Unlike most tweak stores, BuildStore is not free and requires users to purchase a monthly subscription. The store makes up for the lack of paid services by offering tons of secret features and extensions, including an exclusive emulator of old games.
It allows you to browse different categories of apps including emulators, tweaked apps, game downloads, and more. There are also different filters to narrow your search.
It also offers useful features like requesting apps, recovering accounts, and getting 24/7 support.
For anyone who wants to own an iOS device but doesn't want to jailbreak it, BuildStore is the App Store alternative you've been waiting for.
The platform rigorously tests apps for malware and viruses before listing them, and BuildStore virtually eliminates the possibility of damaging your device.
Additionally, BuildStore respects your data and provides a secure environment for all your application needs. You can download and use apps with confidence knowing your information is protected.
Another benefit is the user-friendliness and versatility of the platform. Whether you're a tech expert or a smartphone newbie, it's easy to find and download your favorite apps.
6. TweakBox
Main Features:
Easy to Use
Features Thousands of Apps for Free
User-friendly Interface
Supports all iOS versions
Certified with SSL Encryption
TweakBox is an alternative iOS app store that allows you to download and install modified apps on your iOS device.
Some of them even offer extended functionality. This alternative is not only known for its accessibility and simplicity of use, but also for its security.
Apple's official store lacks several apps that TweakBox provides for free. In fact, the platform has a large number of apps and games that are not available in Apple’s official App Store. No need to jailbreak your device.
TweakBox offers a user-friendly user interface and supports all iPads and iPhones.
It's safe and free. It comes with encrypted SSL and here you can get all the apps and games for free.
7. AppValley
Main Features:
There is no need to jailbreak your iPhone/iPad to install apps through AppValley for iOS.
Some paid apps on the official App Store can be installed for free.
AppValley 2.0 has a clean, stylish and user-friendly interface.
Several developers around the world are constantly fixing any bugs that users may encounter.
Apps on AppValley VIP have gone through multiple security tests to ensure they are free from malware or viruses.
You will automatically receive notifications whenever an update is available for your app.
Download apps faster from AppValley VIP.
AppValley is an iOS App Store alternative with a large collection of tweaked apps.
A variety of apps, ringtones, games, enhancements, emulators, and more can be downloaded for free from this third-party iOS app store.
Its advantage is that users have access to top-ranked unlocked games and modified apps like Snapchat++.
AppValley is a safe place to download apps and games. The application is updated regularly.
The iOS App Store does not require a jailbreak to download. This means your device does not need to be jailbroken to use App Valley.
AppValley is a popular alternative for iOS that is known for its user-friendly interface and wide selection of apps, making it a favorite among iOS users looking for more features than what the official store offers.
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