As a direct consequence of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Google Play alternative Aptoide is now ready to take on iOS as well. The closed launch will take place tomorrow, and new users will need an invitation to join. Between 500 and 1,000 daily invites will be issued in the first stage.

Released in late 2009, Aptoide is now targeting smartphones and tablets, smart TVs, as well as VR devices. A version specifically tailored for kids is also available. This online marketplace for mobile apps is now ready to hit iOS in the form of a gaming-focused app store for users located in the European Union. Scheduled to launch tomorrow, it will debut as the first third-party iOS app store for gamers since the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) was adopted.

  • entropicshart@sh.itjust.works
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    6 months ago

    I am more excited that Apple is being forced to allow other browser engines on iOS.

    In 2024 I should not be forced to browse ad riddled websites that risk seizures upon loading, and further redirecting you to more shit when you try to close it, on a $1000 handheld computer.

    Give us a browser engine that supports proper extensions, not this shit that is as old as the original iPhone!

    • BinaryEnthusiast@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      Aren’t most browser engines insanely old though? I agree there should be better addon support for IOS, But the two most popular browser engines are Firefox and chrome, which released in 2004 and 2008 respectively. They have been updated extensively since then, but those browsers aren’t new either.

      You can get some addons for safari, like I have an Adblock on there. It is very hit/miss though and should be better

      • entropicshart@sh.itjust.works
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        6 months ago

        I don’t mean that it’s been around for a long time, but the lack of innovation on it.

        Plugins in browsers have been a crucial function for years and available on Android. The only reason they’re not on iOS is because Apple forces all browsers to use WebKit instead of Gecko/Blink/etc, like they do everywhere else.

  • misk@sopuli.xyz
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    6 months ago

    They will focus specifically on subscription based apps to finance Apple technology ransom fee so you know it’s safe to ignore what’s there for now.

    • themurphy
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      6 months ago

      Pretty sure the Apple fee system was deemed illegal, no?

      • misk@sopuli.xyz
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        6 months ago

        EU cogs move slow, that’s why Apple drags this out in this way.

        • themurphy
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          6 months ago

          At least they move in the right direction.

  • mistrgamin@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    I remember using aptoide to pirate a DS emulator on my first tablet years ago. I got to play Ace Attorney like I wanted (RIP Emuparadise) but the battery never saw a temperature below fever levels until it died