Apple has revoked the distribution rights for iTorrent, a torrent client for iOS, effectively removing it from AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace in the European Union. This move occurred without any warning or clear explanation.The Verge
Why It Matters
Despite the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates Apple to allow third-party app stores, this incident underscores Apple’s continued ability to control app distribution—even beyond its official App Store. iTorrent, available via AltStore PAL since July 2024, was quietly pulled by revoking its developer distribution rights.
What Happened to iTorrent
Developer Daniil Vinogradov revealed that Apple removed the “Alternative Distribution” ability from his developer account without notice. With that revocation, iTorrent ceased to be available on AltStore PAL—raising serious questions about Apple’s enforcement powers.
Notably, no specific reason was provided, and the removal was enforced at the developer account level. The situation is now under review by AltStore PAL, awaiting Apple’s response.
Implications for EU App Freedom
The incident highlights a crucial tension: while the DMA aimed to open iOS to alternative app distribution, Apple’s notarization and developer control can still negate those freedoms. This raises uncertainty about how much choice the DMA truly offers to users and developers
Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| App Removed | iTorrent (torrent client for iOS) |
| Platform Affected | AltStore PAL in the European Union |
| Action Taken | Apple’s revocation of developer’s alternative distribution rights |
| Warning Given | None—remove executed without prior notification |
| Policy Impact | Raises doubts about real-world effectiveness of EU’s DMA protections |
