Apple has taken down the popular iPhone torrenting app, iTorrent, from AltStore PAL in Europe, raising questions about how much control the company still maintains over third-party iOS marketplaces. The app’s developer confirmed that Apple revoked his distribution rights across alternative stores, meaning iTorrent can no longer be downloaded by users in the region. This move highlights ongoing tensions between Apple, developers, and the EU’s push for more open app distribution under the Digital Markets Act.
The removal of iTorrent was not just limited to AltStore PAL but extended to the developer’s entire distribution account. Apple revoked alternative distribution functionality without warning, leaving iTorrent unavailable across all third-party iOS stores. This suggests Apple can still exert significant control over how apps are distributed, even outside its official App Store. For developers, this raises concerns about the security of relying on Apple’s approval, while users in the EU question the actual freedom promised by new regulations.
Apple has long prohibited torrent apps on its official marketplace, but the EU’s Digital Markets Act allowed users more freedom to install apps from alternative app stores. iTorrent gained popularity when it was added to AltStore PAL in July 2024, giving iPhone users the ability to manage torrent downloads directly on their devices. However, Apple’s recent action shows that developers still face risks when attempting to offer apps outside the App Store, particularly those tied to file-sharing technology.
The iTorrent removal has sparked debate about Apple’s compliance with EU regulations and its influence over independent app distribution. Developers worry that Apple can still revoke access without transparency, creating uncertainty around launching apps in Europe. For consumers, the incident raises doubts about whether alternative app marketplaces truly offer more freedom, or if Apple retains ultimate authority. As the EU continues monitoring tech giants under its Digital Markets Act, Apple’s handling of iTorrent could become a key example of how regulation and corporate power collide.
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