Apple Revokes EU Distribution Rights for an App on the Alt Store

Summary

Home > Piracy > Under EU law, Apple is required to give its users more freedom to install apps that are not listed in the official App Store. This allows for easier access to software that's typically prohibited by Apple, including the popular iTorrent BitTorrent client. The iTorrent client built a steady user base over the past year, but that came to an abrupt end when Apple decided to revoke the developer's alternative distribution rights. Historically, Apple has banned torrent clients from its iOS devices. In the EU, however, these types of apps have been available for more than a year through third-party app stores. This breakthrough was a direct result of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) that went into effect last year, requiring Apple to allow apps to be installed through third-party stores. AltStore Pal is one of the most popular altstores in the EU. Soon after it launched, two torrent clients were made available: iTorrent and qBitControl. This was a notable milestone that AltStore actively promoted on social media. iTorrent in AltStore PAL AltStore PAL assured its users that these apps were put through a vetting process to ensure that they are secure. And indeed, in the months that followed, many people installed and used the torrent clients without problems. Apple Bars iTorrent Distribution While alternative app stores operate independently and are required by EU law, Apple is still in a position to exert some control. This became apparent a few weeks ago, when iTorrent users suddenly ran into trouble when installing the app. In July, several users complained that they were unable to download iTorrent from AltStore PAL. Initially the cause of the problem was unclear but the app’s developer, XITRIX, later confirmed that Apple itself had stepped in. Apparently, Apple had revoked the developer’s “alternative distribution” right, which is required to publish apps in alternative stores, including AltStore PAL. Rights revoked Given Apple’s long history of banni...