AltStore PAL: The Official Alternative App Store for iPhone (2026)

ByScarlet iOS Team Updated on

AltStore PAL is an official alternative app marketplace for iPhone and iPad from the team behind AltStore and the Delta emulator. Unlike classic sideloading, it is approved under Apple’s rules for alternative marketplaces, so apps you install with it do not expire after 7 days and there is no 3-app limit. The catch: it is only available in the European Union, Japan and Brazil. This guide explains what AltStore PAL is, who can use it, how to install it and how it compares with AltStore Classic. Facts are from AltStore’s own website and FAQ. Last checked: October 27, 2026.

The Short Version

  • AltStore describes PAL as “an official alternative app marketplace” where “you can install apps not available in the App Store, but without the limitations of AltStore Classic”.
  • Available only in the EU, Japan and Brazil. AltStore Classic is the worldwide version.
  • No computer needed to install. Apps do not expire, there is no app limit, and JIT is supported.
  • It installs only notarized apps, which Apple has checked, not any IPA file.
  • The latest version listed in its release notes is AltStore PAL 2.3.2 (June 15, 2026), which added Brazilian Portuguese.

AltStore PAL vs AltStore Classic

PAL Classic
Where EU, Japan, Brazil Worldwide
Apps Notarized only Any .ipa
Computer Not needed May be needed
Expiry None 7 days
App limit None 3 apps
JIT Supported Not supported

Source: AltStore’s “AltStore PAL v. AltStore Classic” page. If you are outside these regions, AltStore Classic or SideStore are the options; see how to install SideStore.

Who Can Use AltStore PAL

AltStore’s troubleshooting page lists the conditions for the EU:

  • The device must be physically located in the EU.
  • Your Apple Account region must be an EU country. You can check it in Settings under your name > Media & Purchases > Country/Region.
  • The device must run iOS 17.4 or later.
  • You must install it from Safari: “Apple only permits installing marketplace apps from the Safari browser.”

Japan and Brazil were added later. Apple sets its own rules for alternative marketplaces in each country, so check altstore.io for the current requirements there. AltStore also notes that a VPN can cause NSURLError download errors, so turn it off while downloading.

For the background on why these marketplaces exist in the EU, see our guide to EU sideloading changes.

How to Install AltStore PAL

  1. On your iPhone, open Safari and go to altstore.io.
  2. Follow the download steps. AltStore uses Stripe for checkout; check the current price on the site. If you have paid before, entering the same email address takes you back to the download page without paying again.
  3. iOS asks you to allow installing apps from this marketplace developer. Confirm it in Settings.
  4. Restart the iPhone if the install does not start; AltStore’s troubleshooting says this “may be required for your device to recognize AltStore”.

Adding Sources and Apps

AltStore PAL uses sources: “links to apps provided by developers”, which control what you can download. Go to the Sources tab, tap + and enter the source URL from the developer’s website, or start with AltStore’s recommended sources. The apps then show up in the Browse tab. Since version 2.3 (March 2026) there is also an explore page at explore.alt.store for finding apps and sources.

If you see “The source is not supported by this version of AltStore”, update to AltStore PAL 2.2 or later.

Updating AltStore PAL

AltStore PAL cannot update itself from its My Apps tab. AltStore’s FAQ gives two ways:

  • Automatic: Settings > App Installation, turn on App Updates under Automatic Downloads. It should update within 24 hours of a release.
  • Manual: Settings > App Installation > AltStore, tap Update Now, or open altstore.io/download in Safari and tap Download.

Costs for Developers

AltStore takes no commission. On AltStore PAL, Apple’s Core Technology Commission applies: AltStore’s fee page lists 5% on digital goods and services sold in apps distributed through alternative marketplaces. AltStore Classic has no fees at all.

Is AltStore PAL Safe?

It is one of the safer ways to get apps outside the App Store: it is an Apple-approved marketplace, and every app on it is notarized by Apple, a basic check for malware and integrity that is lighter than full App Store review. Sources are still run by individual developers, so add sources only from developers you trust. Download AltStore PAL only from altstore.io. For the general picture, see is iOS sideloading safe.

AltStore PAL and Scarlet iOS

They do different jobs. AltStore PAL installs notarized apps from developers’ sources, in the EU, Japan and Brazil. Scarlet iOS installs IPA files worldwide using a shared certificate that Apple can revoke. Our Scarlet iOS vs AltStore comparison covers both AltStore versions.

FAQ

Can I use AltStore PAL outside the EU?

Only in Japan and Brazil as well. Elsewhere, use AltStore Classic or SideStore.

Do apps from AltStore PAL expire?

No. AltStore says PAL apps don’t expire, unlike AltStore Classic apps, which expire after 7 days.

Can I install any IPA file with AltStore PAL?

No. PAL installs notarized apps only. To install any IPA file, you need AltStore Classic or another sideloading tool.

Does AltStore PAL support JIT?

Yes, according to AltStore’s comparison page.

Why can I not install it in Chrome?

Apple only allows installing marketplace apps from Safari. Copy the download page link into Safari and finish there.

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