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 method to cease it from working or ask for it to be shut down.
It would shock none of you that my predictions had been unsuitable. So far as I do know, Apple didn’t significantly attempt to cease it, and it did way more than survive! As quickly as third-party app shops had been doable, it was one of many first to launch.
Yesterday, AltStore’s future grew to become even brighter as they introduced that they had secured an Epic MegaGrant. I hadn’t heard of Epic’s grant program earlier than but it surely’s often 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 venture like AltStore secures a extra steady future. A venture born not of a want to revenue however to distribute apps¹ that Apple would not need on the App Retailer. I’m additionally pleased to see Epic put their largest properties on AltStore together with this announcement. It’s an enormous enhance for the venture.
Epic continues to be going forward with its personal EU-based app retailer, which is apparently in evaluation with Apple as you learn this. I am not very enthusiastic about that retailer, but it surely is smart for them to construct it.
Again to AltStore, although. I couldn’t be happier to see this happen², and I hope that the MegaGrant shouldn’t be a one-time factor, however an ongoing settlement. I would 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 various app shops will likely be a web optimistic for the platform. Nonetheless, what I believe doesn’t make a blind little bit of distinction so I believe I will cease including this disclaimer each time I write concerning the topic.
Dave Verwer 