About alternative app distribution in the European Union

Users based in the European Union with an iPhone or iPad have the ability to install apps using alternative app marketplaces or web distribution, in addition to the App Store.

What is alternative app distribution?

Alternative app marketplaces are unique kinds of apps that you can use to install other apps on your iPhone or iPad. You might alternatively be able to download an app directly from a developer’s website through web distribution. Alternative app marketplaces and web distribution can be used in addition to the App Store. Users in the European Union can install an alternative app marketplace on iPhone or iPad by downloading it directly from the website of the alternative app marketplace developer.

Apps installed through alternative app distribution undergo a Notarization process to ensure every app meets baseline platform integrity standards, but it is up to each alternative app distributor to review apps in accordance with their own processes and policies.

iPhone, iPad, iOS, iPadOS, and the App Store are part of an integrated system designed to protect user security, privacy, and safety, and provide a simple and intuitive user experience. For apps downloaded using alternative app distribution, some features may not work as expected. Features like restrictions on In-App Purchases in Screen Time, purchase sharing with your Family Sharing group, and Ask to Buy are not supported because the App Store and its private and secure In-App Purchases system are not facilitating purchases in alternative app distribution. Screen Time, parental controls, and Spotlight continue to function and maintain Apple’s security, privacy, and safety standards.

Alternative app marketplaces aren't made or managed by Apple, and Apple’s ability to support users impacted by issues with apps downloaded outside the App Store (including alternative app marketplaces and web distribution) is limited. For support, contact the developer of the alternative app marketplace or the developer of the app. Developers of apps downloaded outside of the App Store have their own policies regarding content curation, support, and refunds. These policies might not be the same as what you can expect from the App Store. Apple will not be able to support users experiencing the following issues:

• Alternative app marketplaces not functioning as expected

• Apps downloaded through alternative app distribution not functioning as expected — including concerns with app quality, safety, and content

• Privacy and security questions about apps listed on alternative app marketplaces and through web distribution — including violations of user data privacy; and scams, fraud, and abuse

• Purchases and payments with an alternative app marketplace, web distributor, or their apps — including the security of your stored payment methods with that marketplace, ensuring orders for digital goods and services are fulfilled, managing or canceling subscriptions, or refunds for purchases

Availability in the European Union

To reflect the Digital Markets Act's changes, users in the European Union are able to install alternative app marketplaces and install apps offered through alternative app marketplaces in iOS 17.4 or later, or iPadOS 18 or later. Users in the European Union can also install apps from a developer’s website in iOS 17.5 or later, or iPadOS 18 or later. The country or region of your Apple Account must be set to one of the countries or regions of the European Union, and you must physically be located in the European Union.

Your device eligibility for apps from alternative distribution is determined using on-device processing with only an indicator of eligibility sent to Apple. To preserve your privacy, Apple does not collect your device’s location.

If you leave the European Union, you can continue to open and use apps that you previously installed through alternative app distribution. You can continue to update apps from alternative app distribution for up to 30 days after you leave the European Union, and you can continue using alternative app distribution to manage previously installed apps. However, you must be in the European Union to install alternative app marketplaces and new apps through alternative app distribution.

Notarization for iOS and iPadOS apps

If not properly managed, alternative app distribution poses increased privacy, safety, and security risks for users and developers. This includes risks from installing software from unknown developers that are not subject to the Apple Developer Program requirements, installing software that compromises system integrity with malware or other malicious code, the distribution of pirated software, exposure to illicit, objectionable, and harmful content due to lower content and moderation standards, and increased risks of scams, fraud, and abuse.

Notarization for iOS and iPadOS apps is a baseline review that applies to all apps, regardless of their distribution channel, focused on platform policies for security and privacy and to maintain device integrity. Through a combination of automated checks and human review, Notarization helps ensure apps are free of known malware, viruses, or other security threats, function as promised, and don’t expose users to egregious fraud. Information from the Notarization process is also used for app installation sheets, which provide at-a-glance descriptions of apps and their functionality before users download them — including the developer, screenshots, age ratings, and other essential information. You are shown this information every time you install an app from an alternative app marketplace, unless you set it as your default marketplace, and every time you install an app directly from a developer’s website.

Apps available through alternative app distribution receive an age rating, but some apps might offer content that wouldn't be allowed on the App Store. This includes apps that distribute pornography, hate speech, or weapons; and apps that encourage the consumption of tobacco or vape products, alcohol, or legal drugs among adults. These apps are unrated. More information on Apple’s App Review Guidelines and Notarization Review Guidelines is available here. Setting age restrictions prevents the installation of these apps.

In addition to meeting the baseline platform integrity standards in Notarization, apps distributed on the App Store have been approved after meeting all of Apple’s App Review Guidelines. This includes enforcement of Apple’s standards for privacy, security, and quality. If you prefer to download only apps that meet all of Apple’s standards, you can do so from the App Store.

If an app marketplace ceases operations or you delete it

Apps downloaded from an alternative app marketplace could stop functioning if a marketplace ceases operations. There’s also a risk that an app downloaded from an alternative app marketplace could stop functioning if you delete the marketplace from your iPhone or iPad. You can restore app functionality if that app is available on another app marketplace and you download it (including from the App Store). To download it from another app marketplace, first delete the app. You might lose the data associated with that app in this process.

If you purchased the app or made any purchases within that app, you might have to pay for them again if you install the app througha different method of app distribution.

If you want to continue getting apps that are approved under Apple’s App Review Guidelines, use the App Store

If you prefer using apps that have met all of Apple’s App Review Guidelines, including Apple’s standards for privacy, security, and quality, you can use the App Store. Your iPhone or iPad won't install alternative app marketplaces or apps from outside the App Store without your permission. If you want to safeguard your device or a family member’s device from being able to install alternative app marketplaces or apps through web distribution, you can change the parental control settings.

You can also contact Apple Support for help when you download apps from the App Store. This includes support for purchases of apps, In-App Purchases, sharing your purchases with your Family Sharing group, and more.