The first alternative app store has launched in the EU. The appropriately named altstore is focused on iOS only.

“AltStore is an app store designed for sideloading. Every app in AltStore gets a beautifully generated store page with detailed information to make sideloading fun and easy. Browse apps from trusted developers, or add additional “sources” to further increase your options.

Anyone can distribute their apps with AltStore. All you need is to make a “source”, which you can do by hosting a text file with basic information about your apps. Users can then enter your source URL in AltStore and your apps will automatically appear.”

Words like “anyone” can distribute their apps conflicts with everything Apple states they stand for with terms like protection. Interestingly, the store is charging 1.5 Euros per year to cover “Apple's Core Technology Fee, payment processing, and server costs.”

Will we see uptake in the near future? Unlikely until the alt stores have enough apps and the user is given an option when they initially setup their phone or asked periodically. We have seen some uptake on the browser choices but we are years from traction here.