Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU, Apple was forced to allow developers to distribute their apps through alternative apps. stores (or App Marketplace) in member countries. However, these developers are required to pay Apple Core Technology Fee after reaching a certain number of downloads. To make things easier for small developers, AltStore will offer Patreon-supported apps.
AltStore App Marketplace coming to EU users with Patreon integration
For those unfamiliar, AltStore is an alternative app store , available on iOS long before DMA was a thing. However, for users in the EU, developer Riley Testut has decided to launch AltStore as the official app store, following all the rules set by Apple under the DMA.
First, Apple said it will charge a core technology fee, or CTF, of €0.50 per annual install for apps that are popular enough to register more than one million downloads per year. However, this is a concern for smaller developers, who may not have enough money to pay fees if their apps become an overnight hit.
To help developers pay Apple's fees and even monetize their apps, Testut said. TechCrunch reported that the apps could have custom integrations with Patreon so users could purchase them. For example, AltStore plans to soon make beta versions of Delta (a Nintendo emulator) and Clip (a clipboard manager) available to those who pay $3 per month through Patreon.
“This integration will create new business -model for applications that would not be allowed without the DMA taking effect”,” – Testut said.
EU unhappy with Apple&# 8217;terms
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Apple may eventually be forced to abandon CTF. That's because the EU Commission recently announced that it is not satisfied with the changes Apple has made to comply with the DMA and will investigate the company for non-compliance.
When asked specifically About the risk of bankruptcy for small developers, Apple said that they are “working on it”; improving conditions for developers in the EU. The company still has no plans to bring app stores to other countries unless required by law, which could soon happen in the US.
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