iPhone users in the European Union can now download pirated apps to their devices. This new development, which exceeds Apple’s strict App Store policies, allows users to download apps from alternative app stores without jailbreaking their devices.
The era of pirated apps on iPhones with AltStore PAL has begun (at least in Europe)
Alternative app store AltStore PAL has circumvented Apple’s long-standing ban by offering pirated apps. This is thanks to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA reduced Apple’s control over apps, giving iOS users in the region access to apps outside the App Store.
New apps available on AltStore PAL include iTorrent, a torrent client for iOS, and qBitControl, a remote client for managing qBittorrent on desktop systems. There’s also a social discovery app called PeopleDrop, and UTM SE, which emulates operating systems such as Windows, Linux and macOS on iOS devices. UTM SE has been approved by Apple and is available in the official App Store, but only passed the approval process with the support of the AltStore team.
What is Apple’s stance on pirated apps?
Apple has consistently banned torrent apps in the App Store, stating that they are often used to infringe third-party rights. However, the introduction of the DMA has weakened Apple’s closed-system approach and allowed alternative app stores, such as AltStore PAL, to offer apps that do not comply with Apple’s guidelines.
Details of the Spanish Competition Authority's investigation into Apple's potential antitrust behavior in the App Store.
To access the new apps on AltStore PAL, users must have an iPhone running iOS 17.4 or later. The service charges an annual subscription fee of €1.50 to cover Apple’s fees. More information about the apps and the subscription process can be found on the AltStore website.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has weakened Apple’s tight control, giving users access to a wider choice of apps. This allows users to access a variety of pirated apps without jailbreaking their devices.
