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 believed Apple would both discover a solution to cease it from working or ask for it to be shut down.
It’s going to shock none of you that my predictions have been fallacious. So far as I do know, Apple didn’t critically attempt to cease it, and it did way more than survive! As quickly as third-party app shops have been potential, 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 initiatives utilizing Unreal Engine. I am not stunned 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 does not need on the App Retailer. I’m additionally glad to see Epic put their greatest properties on AltStore together with this announcement. It’s an enormous enhance for the venture.
Epic remains to be going forward with its personal EU-based app retailer, which is outwardly in evaluate with Apple as you learn this. I am not very enthusiastic about that retailer, but it surely 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 just 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 initiatives 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 will probably be a web optimistic for the platform. Nonetheless, what I feel doesn’t make a blind little bit of distinction so I feel I am going to cease including this disclaimer each time I write in regards to the topic.