Observed Signal · Feb 22, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
EU's Digital Markets Act Sparks Alternative App Store Revolution
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has opened the door for alternative app stores on Apple devices in the European Union, requiring apps distributed via third-party marketplaces to pass Apple’s notarization checks and for marketplaces to accept Apple’s DMA business terms. Apple requires a new Core Technology Fee and other commercial terms for DMA‑compliant marketplaces. Outside the EU, markets such as Japan are adopting similar options after Apple’s compliance with the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). A range of alternative stores are now operational or trialling distribution, including AltStore PAL, Epic Games Store (iOS in EU), Aptoide’s iOS store, Mobivention (B2B), Skich and Onside. Some launches have struggled — e.g., MacPaw’s Setapp Mobile was shuttered in February 2026 citing complex business terms.
Major platform (Apple) policy changes driven by regulation (DMA, MSCA) reshape app distribution, payment terms and commissions — affecting commerce, developer economics and potential app monetization/ad inventory dynamics across EU and other markets.
Track Apple Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The EU’s Digital Markets Act enables access to alternative app marketplaces on Apple devices, subject to notarization and DMA business terms.
- Apple requires developers running alternative marketplaces in the EU to accept an EU DMA business package that includes a Core Technology Fee (noted as €0.50 per first annual install for marketplace apps).
- Apple’s compliance with Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) provides another route for developers to distribute apps and process payments outside the App Store, with new commission and fees (10–21% commission, 5% Apple in‑app payment processing fee, 5% core technology fee, 15% store services commission on web sales via links).
- Multiple alternative iOS marketplaces named in the article: AltStore PAL, Epic Games Store (iOS in EU), Aptoide, Mobivention marketplace, Skich and Onside (expanded to Japan as of Feb 17, 2026).
- MacPaw’s Setapp Mobile (an EU alternative app store) was shut down on February 16, 2026, with the company citing evolving and complex business terms as incompatible with its model.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Apple to Allow App Distribution Outside App Store in EU
From October, Apple will permit developers in the EU to distribute Apple-compatible apps and offer alternative payment methods outside the App Store, allowing downloads via third-party websites and marketplaces. The move follows pressure from the European Commission, which fined Apple €500 million in April 2025 for breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The EU treats Apple as a designated "gatekeeper" under the DMA and said it will closely monitor implementation of the new conditions. The changes are intended to increase user choice for downloading and paying for apps across the EU.
Alternative iOS App Stores Finding Traction, Not Gold Rush
Since Apple allowed third-party app stores on iPhones and iPads in the EU in 2024, a developer 'gold rush' has not materialized. Some storefronts have failed (Setapp closed), while Epic Games’ mobile store (launched August 2024) has had limited impact. Indie alternatives AltStore and Skich are surviving and growing: AltStore’s cofounders Riley Testut and Shane Gill plan wider expansion after a $6m raise from Pace Capital, and Skich reports over 700k downloads and 100k new site users per month. Skich has partnered with Xsolla—responsible as merchant of record from July—and will offer developers a unified 15% commission. Both AltStore and Skich declined to disclose hard revenue figures. Skich emphasizes more granular discovery and higher per-user download rates versus the App Store and Google Play.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and six other major tech firms—Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata, and Wipro—from the U.S. Permanent Labor Certification program, which facilitates green cards for skilled foreign workers. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations and alleged fraud, noting that no new or pending applications from these companies will be accepted. Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft defended its practices, stating that most U.S. employees are American and that 80% of its H-1B petitions were for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, and the administration also plans to investigate nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, over student visa program abuse.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.