In the EU, Aptoide opens a different iOS gaming shop

 After the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requiring Apple to permit third-party app stores on iOS in Europe, several developers have introduced alternative options like AltStore and MacPaw's Setapp (currently in closed beta). The newest addition to this market is Aptoide, a veteran Android app store, which is launching a dedicated game store for iOS users in Europe.

Aptoide announced that its game store will be available for download on iOS starting June 6. Initially, the store will feature six games, with plans to expand the library in the future. The company stated that over 100 developers are ready to publish their games, although Apple’s notarization process has delayed the full launch.

The initial lineup includes:

Word Jungle (word puzzle)

Condor — Leap of Faith (platformer)

All-in-one Solitaire (various Solitaire games)

All-in-one Mahjong (various Mahjong games)

Charades — Guess the Word (word puzzle)

Currently, only Word Jungle includes in-app purchases. Aptoide uses a tiered fee model for in-app purchases: it charges a 20% fee if the app was discovered through the store’s search or recommendations and 10% if users were acquired via paid ads or community channels. Developers can also direct users to their websites for transactions, with a 10% fee paid to Aptoide.

The startup described Apple’s application process for alternative app stores as cumbersome, noting that Apple was not always responsive. However, the installation process for the Aptoide game store is straightforward: users need an invitation or access code to download the store, followed by adjusting settings to allow downloads from unknown sources.

To manage its rollout, Aptoide plans to onboard 500 to 1,000 users daily after launch, ensuring it stays below the threshold of 1 million annual first installs. This limit helps the company avoid a core technology fee of €0.50 per first install.

Aptoide, established in 2009, has long operated as an Android app store, achieving nearly 500 million downloads last year. While its Android experience is an asset, the company faces unique challenges on iOS due to Apple’s stringent policies and competition from other app stores in Europe. Attracting exclusive games will be key to standing out in this evolving market.