The Digital Markets Law (DML) of the European Union (EU) has caused great and momentous changes in the structure of Apple. A few months ago, users residing in the EU were allowed the possibility of install third-party app stores, to avoid the monopolistic practices of the App Store that, according to the EU, Apple was carrying out. However, some of these stores were not free since they had to pay a series of fees to Apple. One of the best known is AltStore Pal, whose annual subscription was 1,50 euros. However, AltStore Pal has become completely free after a grant (Megagrant) by Epic Games.
Epic Games boosts AltStore Pal with a grant: it's now free
The new market laws that regulate much of technology and its antitrust practices are included in the European Union Digital Markets Law and all large companies must comply with it. As we have been commenting, AltStore Pal is one of the third-party app stores available for installation on iOS and iPadOS in the European Union. However, until a few days ago The cost of its installation was 1,50 euros per year in the form of a subscription to be able to pay the Apple basic technology fee, which requires developers for each installation of the store on devices.
However, AltStore Pal has received a grant, call 'Megagrant‘, by Epic Games which has caused this subscription to cease to exist and becomes completely free. Typically, companies like Epic Games dedicate part of their capital to investing in unfunded technological projects that can be useful. From the Epic Games offices, and knowing the background between the company and Apple, they have decided to invest in AltStore Pal to turn it into a free third-party app store:
Epic MegaGrants are investments that Epic Games makes to sponsor the development of interesting projects that would otherwise lack sufficient funds to become a full reality. They are designed specifically for small teams, solo developers, and innovators who use our technology to bring bold, challenging, and incredibly creative dreams to life.
This was announced by the developers of AltStore Pal in their Official Twitter account. They assured that part of this investment was going to be dedicated to paying Apple's basic technology fee and therefore converting the store to a free system without subscription. On the other hand, The cancellation of the subscription will be carried out automatically. Furthermore, AltStore Pal has promised a “token of appreciation” to subscribers who to date have paid the €1,50 that the service cost annually. We will see what that gratitude consists of.
GOOD NEWS EU For innovation in app distribution, Epic Games has granted us a MegaGrant grant that we plan to use to cover Apple's Core Technology Fee going forward — and we won't take it for granted!
What does this mean? AltStore PAL is now FREE — no subscription necessary pic.twitter.com/JSJo3FdhBx
— AltStore.io (@altstoreio) August 14, 2024
Therefore, one more chapter is added to the virtual battle between Epic Games and Apple after the long dispute over the removal of Fortnite from the App Store. Remember that a few days ago Epic Games launched its own app store by which Fortnite could be installed, years after its removal from the App Store, in the EU.