Aptoide is an independent app store that challenges the models provided by Google Play Store (Android) and App Store (iOS). It offers easier access to publishing apps, doesn't have as restricted guidelines and requirements as their corporate alternatives, and has personalization options that enhance the Aptoide user experience. It also gives users the option to download older versions of the apps or software that otherwise would be limited by the region or otherwise unavailable due to other restrictions.
Aptoide is used by millions of people and offers both mainstream and niche apps, but it still verifies the security of software in its library.
Why should I download Aptoide?
While it launched as an alternative applications library for Android devices, and that has been its focus for years, recently, you can also download Aptoide on iPhones and iPads due to the new iOS update, which allows third-party apps. It's the perfect solution for users who would like to have a better and broader selection of tools and games they can get on their devices. With the support of version history, users can download older editions of the apps they like, which is really helpful when you have an older device that's no longer supported by the newest updates.
With Aptoide, you get access to a rich collection of apps as it offers modded apps or those that have regional limits as well as applications that may not be available on Google Play Store or App Store. Even though it supports niche apps, Aptoid also contains in its library the most mainstream apps like Netflix, WhatsApp, TikTok, and others. It also has a clear interface, supports searching, and has different sections for editorial picks, categories, and trends, so using Aptoide is intuitive and similar to its corporate alternatives.
Anyone, whether a personal user or a company, can publish apps on Aptoide and avoid the strict restrictions of the main stores. Everyone can also create curated channels, which work like a collection of apps specifically selected by a given person or app developer. When you try downloading an app, you get access to multiple details about the release, user reviews, and ratings that can guide your decision about installing it or not.
To ensure security and privacy, Aptoide uses blockchain, which makes it easier to identify the source of the app. It supports digital signatures to verify the integrity of the vendors and their software, and there's also a green badge to mark those applications that are trusted and safe. With all of this, you also have greater control over the sources of your apps as no information is hidden, and it doesn't track your information in the same way mainstream stores do.
As with any independent product, when you download Aptoide, it's still worth being extra careful. Even though strict regulations of mainstream providers can limit innovative apps or updates, they also ensure there are no breaches in privacy or security. With looser restrictions, it's always a good idea to verify the source thoroughly and be mindful of unintended data breaches coming from third-party sources.
Is Aptoide free?
Since it is an independent and alternative app store, you can download Aptoide for free on Android and iOS. You don't even need an account to use it, though you might choose to create one if you want to publish apps, make reviews, or interact with the Aptoide community in other ways.
While Aptoide itself doesn't cost anything, it offers apps that are both free and paid or offer in-app purchases.
What operating systems are compatible with Aptoide?
You can download Aptoide on numerous Android devices, including smartphones and tablets (version 4.1 Jelly Bean or higher) and Android TV. Until very recently, that was the only system Aptoide supported, but starting with iOS 17.4, which allows apps from unknown and third-party sources, you can also install Aptoide on iPhones and iPads.
However, please note that before you can install the app .apk file, you need to enable using apps from unknown sources in your device's settings. Once you do that, proceed to download Aptoide and then launch it. The store will appear on your device's home screen and app library, as well as any tools or games you get from Aptoide.
What are the alternatives to Aptoide?
If you're okay with a more strict approach to releasing and distributing apps and don't need access to more independent products, you can't go wrong with Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS devices. They have strict policies in place to ensure the security and quality of the software they list in their service; all major apps and a lot of smaller ones are available through them, and both stores are preinstalled on your devices and linked to your Google or Apple accounts.
However, if you want something less mainstream, it's worth checking out F-Droid. It's an app library that only offers free and open-source software (also known as FOSS), but it's only available on Android phones and tablets. Even though it has a much smaller selection than Aptoide or the mainstream stores, F-Droid's dedication to open-source tools and games is an excellent choice for community enthusiasts and people looking for inspiration or new ideas, which this model supports.
SlideME is also an interesting option, as it has a great review system and offers a mix of curated paid and free apps that are only allowed if they showcase great quality and reliability. If you're a developer, you will also find SlideME interesting due to its premium offering of advanced support and even more distribution features. It's one of the best choices for an independent app store because it offers a great balance of freedom and a controlled environment with some restrictions and curated content. However, SlideME, for now, is still only available on Android devices, and there's no word of an iOS version coming soon to iPhones or iPads.
