AltStore PAL announced support for the fediverse and launched its own Mastodon server. The company stated this makes the iOS alternative app store the first federated marketplace. The server allows developers to share news and updates that appear across the open social web. Users on Mastodon and Threads can follow developer accounts and see app updates in their timelines.
This integration connects a software marketplace with the open social web. It allows app updates to reach users across multiple platforms without requiring them to leave their preferred social client. The development signals a growing intersection between decentralized social networks and software distribution channels.
AltStore PAL co-founder Riley Testut stated users can follow accounts from the server and see app updates in their timeline. Interactions on these posts will also appear within the AltStore PAL app. Users can sign in with Mastodon or Bluesky accounts to like apps, updates, and alerts inside the marketplace.
Participating apps at launch include Loops, PeerTube, and iPhanpy. Some larger apps plan to join later after Apple finalizes changes to its commission structure in the EU. Apple is replacing the Core Technology Fee with the Core Technology Commission following regulatory pushback.
Users can access the server at fosstodon.org/@altstore. Apps can be discovered via the explore page at explore.alt.store. The AltStore PAL app received an update with an iOS 26 Liquid Glass design and icon.
