Alternative marketplaces and Web Distribution

Official alternative distribution is not a universal “install any IPA” switch. It is an Apple-governed distribution system for notarized apps and approved marketplace or web distributors.

Availability now

Apple currently lists alternative app distribution in:

• the European Union;
• Japan;
• Brazil.

The features differ. The EU supports alternative marketplaces on iPhone and iPad plus developer Web Distribution. Japan and Brazil support alternative marketplaces on iPhone. Account region and physical presence both matter (Apple Support). Brazil support begins with iOS 26.5 (Apple Developer).

Notarization is not App Review

Apple notarization is a baseline integrity, privacy, and security check. Marketplace operators apply their own catalogue, commerce, moderation, refund, and support policies. Apple explicitly says its support is more limited than for App Store purchases.

EU Web Distribution

Approved developers can distribute their own notarized iOS and iPadOS apps from a domain registered in App Store Connect. The minimum is iOS 17.5 or iPadOS 18. Apple provides the signed assets and system installation APIs (Apple Developer).

This is not a way to host someone else's arbitrary IPA. The developer, app record, notarized build, domain, and distribution entitlement are connected.

Travel and region changes

Users who leave an eligible region can keep opening installed apps and can update/manage them for up to 90 days. New marketplace and app installations require presence in the eligible region. Do not change an Apple Account region casually; it affects subscriptions, balances, purchases, and family arrangements.

AltStore PAL is not AltStore Classic

AltStore PAL is an official alternative marketplace. It installs notarized marketplace apps, does not accept arbitrary IPA files, does not use the three-app Personal Team limit, and does not need seven-day refreshes. AltStore Classic is a development-signing tool available more broadly (AltStore).