In April of last year, we launched AltStore PAL in the European Union as one of the first official alternative app marketplaces on iOS thanks to the Digital Markets Act. We launched with just 2 apps — my Nintendo emulator Delta and clipboard manager Clip — yet Apple immediately changed their App Store rules to allow emulators worldwide for the first time ever.
AltStore
Check out these apps from verified developers on AltStore PAL. You can also find a list of available sources at explore.alt.store/directory
Evolving App Store Business Models - David Smith, Independent iOS Developer
I’ve been thinking this past week (as I often do) about the ever-changing landscape of the App Store. This year has seen some of the biggest changes in policy and structure that I can remember. We have new subscription pricing models, search ads, a substantial purge of older apps, new requirements for app names and a variety of little changes to the App Store app itself in iOS 10.
Apple Announces App Store Mini Apps Partner Program
Apple today announced the App Store Mini Apps Partner Program, allowing apps that host mini apps and mini games to support In-App Purchases. The program is designed for developers who host mini apps and games within a larger, native app. Today, we're introducing the Mini Apps Partner Program, which expands on the App Store's ongoing support for apps that offer mini apps. Mini apps are self-contained experiences that are built using web technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript.
Configuring App Clip experiences | Apple Developer Documentation
Review how people launch your App Clip with invocation URLs, default and demo links, and advanced App Clip experiences.
Configuring App Clip experiences | Apple Developer Documentation
Review how people launch your App Clip with invocation URLs, default and demo links, and advanced App Clip experiences.
Open Market (openmkt.app) - An AT Proto Marketplace
Hey guys, I think it’s time for me to share my project here. I’ve been working on this idea since last year, had a very cold launch in January, and have reached a point of stability where I’m confident the app is ready for the mainstream. Open Market is an aggregator (think of Google Shopping) aiming to help people promote their products, art, or anything they plan to sell. This includes used goods and pretty much anything else. The app creates a personal storefront for every AT Protocol user....
Antitrust, the App Store, and Apple
Apple’s case before the Supreme Court is about standing; Apple has a strong case. That, though, doesn’t mean the App Store isn’t a monopoly — and that Apple isn’t increasing…
Tim Sweeney on Twitter / X
Google is opening up Android all the way with robust support for competing stores, competing payments, and a better deal for all developers. So, we've settled all of our disputes worldwide. THANKS GOOGLE! https://t.co/Dq6eXNnZd0— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) March 4, 2026
Sustainable Indie Software — Helftone
We have seen a large shift in the app economy over the past 7 years which has had a huge impact on indie software. In many ways, we have regressed to state which is simply unsustainable in the long term. If you only look at the highly publicised successes, you might assume independent developers are rolling in cash. Do not be fooled, the situation on the ground, especially on iOS, is actually very different – many indies are struggling to make a living.
Paid game subscriptions now live on iOS
Apple has rolled out its subscription model for mobile game developers. Announced in June, Apple is encouraging developers to adopt the new model by offerin...
Native is now the future of mobile at Shopify (2026) - Shopify
Coding agents changed what it costs to build mobile apps twice. Here’s why Shopify is moving from React Native back to Swift and Kotlin.
Tim Sweeney on Twitter / X
Finally, American developers will be free to compete with Apple’s App Store and payment systems here at home!A solid move to free the United States from the crony capitalist intentions of Big Tech and Big Law. https://t.co/7NXHiQxhEf— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) April 1, 2025
The EU's Digital Markets Act is delivering real wins for consumers in the EU, and in some cases globally. Apple and Google are opening up functionality that was previously reserved for their own products. But one glaring failure remains: browser engines on iOS. 🧵👇️ (1/23)
The Digital Markets Act Is Delivering Real Wins, But Not Yet for Browser Engines - Open Web Advocacy
open-web-advocacy.orgApp stores could be replaced by having apps published to a PDS, with safety provided using content moderation tooling, search indexed from the firehose, etc. thoufh. We strike aggregators everywhere that they stand.
Gordon
Software industry is probably going to look a lot like the music industry or games industry. Lots of talent, lots of supply, bottleneck shifts to distribution. Aggregators win again?
Discontinued
Apps and services that either have been discontinued or are scheduled to be discontinued
PiPup
Infoenon (Beta) — Search the AT Protocol
BlueAT CDN | BlueAT Network - A Bluesky PDS
BlueAT Network
Tweets 2 Bsky | BlueAT Network - A Bluesky PDS
