Epic Games’ ‘MegaGrant’ makes EU alternative app store, AltStore PAL, available for free

Epic Games' MegaGrant allows AltStore PAL, an EU alternative app store, to be free by covering Apple's Core Technology Fee.

: Epic Games awarded a MegaGrant to AltStore PAL, enabling the app to be free by covering Apple's Core Technology Fee. Created by Riley Testut and Shane Gill, AltStore PAL benefits from the EU’s Digital Markets Act to offer a third-party app store. The app initially had a small annual fee, but the grant allows it to drop this fee. AltStore PAL, along with its initial apps Delta and Clip, allows for self-publishing.

Epic Games’ MegaGrant has made AltStore PAL, a third-party app store taking advantage of the EU’s Digital Markets Act, available for free. The grant, which part of Epic's $100 million fund, covers Apple's Core Technology Fee, eliminating the app's previous €1.50 subscription fee for users. AltStore PAL was created by Riley Testut and Shane Gill, offering apps like Delta and Clip initially.

Unlike Apple’s App Store, AltStore PAL allows anyone to self-publish their app. The app originally required a subscription due to the costs associated with Apple’s fees. However, thanks to the MegaGrant, those fees are now covered, allowing the app to be free to all users moving forward.

Epic Games has been in conflict with Apple over antitrust concerns related to the App Store. In this context, Epic’s support to AltStore PAL aligns with its broader criticisms of Apple’s practices. Users who previously paid the fee won't be charged again at renewal.

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