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 would shock none of you that my predictions had been flawed. 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 had been attainable, it was one of many first to launch.
Yesterday, AltStore’s future grew to become even brighter as they introduced they’d 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 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 mission like AltStore secures a extra secure future. A mission born not of a want to revenue however to distribute apps¹ that Apple does not need on the App Retailer. I’m additionally comfortable to see Epic put their greatest properties on AltStore together with this announcement. It’s an enormous increase for the mission.
Epic continues to be going forward with its personal EU-based app retailer, which is apparently in overview 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 want 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 will probably be a web optimistic for the platform. Nonetheless, what I believe doesn’t make a blind little bit of distinction so I believe I am going to cease including this disclaimer each time I write in regards to the topic.
Dave Verwer 
