The alternative app store used to require payment. But thanks to Epic Games, the AltStore is now free for everyone to use.
AltStore is now free for everyone
In April 2024, the first alternative app store became available on the iPhone. This was the AltStore Pal. The use of the AltStore was then still 1.82 euros per year. But thanks to a ‘Grant’ from Epic Games (a kind of sponsorship) the AltStore is now free to use for everyone. This is how you install the alternative app store!
Install AltStore on your iPhone
- Open safari and surf to altstore.io;
- Tap the ‘Get AltStore’ button;
- The page scrolls down, tap the ‘Download’ button;
- Tap ‘Download’ again;
- The first time you’ll need to allow the app to install. Tap “OK” and open “Settings” on your iPhone. Tap “Allow apps from AltStore, LLC,” scroll down and tap “Allow.” Return to Safari and tap “Get”;
- Tap on ‘Install App Marketplace’;
- The free AltStore is installed on your iPhone.
There are a few caveats. AltStore Pal is only available if you are in the EU. Outside the EU, the alternative app store is not available. In addition, your iPhone must have iOS 17.4 or later. On the iPad, the free version of AltStore is only available in the iOS 18 beta.
Once you have installed the app, you can launch it just like any other app. At the moment, there is not much to find in the free AltStore. The two apps that are there so far can be found under ‘Browse’. Only Delta is free to use, for Clip you have to pay three dollars a month.
If you like Nintendo, Delta is worth checking out. It lets you play old Nintendo games for free on your iPhone (although it’s a legal grey area). Hopefully it won’t be long before more apps appear in the free AltStore.
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