How does AltStore compete with the App Store in terms of discovery? It seems that embracing the Fediverse could be the answer to this question. The first major AltStore PAL update since May comes with new social web features and Liquid Glass design.

AltStore joins the Fediverse, connecting various open social platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky. This is a suitable solution to bring social web features and discovery to the alternative app market.

The AltStore team has released five features today that come with the adoption of the Fediverse:

  • Discover apps and resources from our new discovery page https://explore.alt.store
  • Developers can join to federate their resources to the discovery page
  • View all likes, app updates, and news in-app from federated apps
  • Like items directly in-app by logging in with your Mastodon or Bluesky account
  • Share links to federated items or view them in the system browser

In December, after a regulatory opening allowing competing app markets on iPhone, AltStore expanded from the EU to Japan.

Today's AltStore PAL 2.3 update not only introduces Fediverse features but also brings a "Japan-inspired" alternative app icon and Liquid Glass user interface.

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