I can’t discover it within the iOS Dev Weekly archive, however I’m certain that I used to be impressed once I first linked to AltStore, however that I used to be additionally sceptical that it would not be with us for lengthy. I assumed Apple would both discover a technique to cease it from working or ask for it to be shut down.
It’ll shock none of you that my predictions had been incorrect. So far as I do know, Apple didn’t significantly attempt to cease it, and it did far more than survive! As quickly as third-party app shops had been potential, it was one of many first to launch.
Yesterday, AltStore’s future turned even brighter as they introduced that they had secured an Epic MegaGrant. I hadn’t heard of Epic’s grant program earlier than nevertheless it’s normally for small groups constructing tasks utilizing Unreal Engine. I am not shocked they’re followers of AltStore, although, given their historical past with Apple. It doesn’t matter what you consider Epic, it’s arduous to not get excited when a mission like AltStore secures a extra steady future. A mission born not of a want to revenue however to distribute apps¹ that Apple would not need on the App Retailer. I’m additionally completely satisfied to see Epic put their largest properties on AltStore together with this announcement. It’s an enormous enhance for the mission.
Epic continues to be going forward with its personal EU-based app retailer, which is apparently in evaluate with Apple as you learn this. I am not very enthusiastic about that retailer, nevertheless it is sensible for them to construct it.
Again to AltStore, although. I couldn’t be happier to see this happen², and I hope that the MegaGrant isn’t a one-time factor, however an ongoing settlement. I might like to see AltStore thrive for a few years as a result of we’d like extra tasks prefer it.
¹ Sure, primarily one particular app, however the imaginative and prescient has expanded since then.
² I’ve nonetheless not come round to believing different app shops might be a web optimistic for the platform. Nevertheless, what I feel doesn’t make a blind little bit of distinction so I feel I will cease including this disclaimer each time I write in regards to the topic.
Dave Verwer 
