It’s too bad I can’t use this as I’m in Canada <:

Interesting, thanks

I would love to set up an alternative app store for iOS given that there currently are no famous ones at least, but the requirements are pretty high. First annual install of your app store is €0.50. That’s every time someone does their first install or update of your app in a given calendar year.

Exception: Marketplace developers who are nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, or government entities based in the EU and approved for a fee waiver are exempt from the Apple Developer Program annual membership fee and the Core Technology Fee.

Then there’s this one:

Do either of the following: (1) Provide Apple a stand-by letter of credit in the amount of €1,000,000 from a financial institution that’s at least A-rated or equivalent by S&P, Fitch, or Moody’s, and maintain that standby letter of credit as long as your alternative app marketplace is in operation; or (2) be a member of good standing in the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more, and have an app that had more than one million first annual installs on iOS and/or iPadOS in the EU in the prior calendar year.

There are other requirements, but those two are the ones stopping me personally from doing this. My company is not going to get a million euro letter of credit any time soon, it doesn’t bring in enough money (I’m the only employee and I’m not selling anything but my time)

Of course there are technical challenges as well, but those are fun and part of why I’d love to do something like this (with help of course). The whole financial aspect is not fun.

I’ve been meaning to looking sideloading. Will give this a go