Beyond the Duopoly: Exploring Alternatives for Releasing Paid Mobile Apps

The discussion revolves around finding viable alternatives to the dominant Google Play Store and Apple App Store for distributing and monetizing paid applications. Participants highlighted the desire for more competition and choice in the app ecosystem.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

PWAs were frequently suggested as a promising alternative. Their ability to be optimized for offline use makes them comparable to native apps in some respects. However, PWAs face significant challenges:

• Discoverability: Unlike centralized app stores, PWAs lack a primary discovery mechanism. While PWA-specific directories like store.app exist, they may not have significant traction.
• Installation Friction: Although installing a PWA can be as simple as using the 'Add to Home screen' feature in a browser, this process is often perceived as "offensively difficult" by non-technical consumers compared to the familiar app store experience. Developers might need to provide extensive guidance to users.

Android Ecosystem

Android is generally more open to alternative distribution methods:

• Third-Party App Stores: Platforms like F-Droid (primarily for free and open-source software) are well-known. Other third-party stores can also exist.
• Sideloading: Users can directly install APK files, bypassing the Play Store entirely. The discussion mentioned Epic Games' distribution of Fortnite as an example of this approach, though questions remain about the viability of this for paid apps from lesser-known developers.

iOS Ecosystem and Regulatory Changes

Apple's iOS platform has traditionally been a walled garden, strictly prohibiting third-party app stores and sideloading. This has been a point of contention, with some users and developers viewing it as a restrictive model that prioritizes Apple's control and profit margins, despite arguments for security and convenience.

However, a significant development highlighted is the impact of EU regulations (like the Digital Markets Act). In the European Union, Apple is now required to allow alternative app marketplaces. Key points include:

• This change is geographically limited to the EU.
• Apps distributed through these alternative channels must still undergo a notarization process with Apple, meaning it's not a completely open system akin to Android's flexibility.

Other Considerations

• Desktop-to-Mobile Sync: One suggestion involved traditional desktop software that extends functionality to mobile devices via cloud synchronization. The "Artisanal Software Festival" was mentioned as a source for such software, representing a different model of software distribution and interaction that can bypass mobile app stores for primary discovery and purchase.
• Challenges for Paid Apps: While alternatives for distribution exist, successfully monetizing paid apps through these channels involves overcoming user trust issues, payment processing complexities, and the aforementioned discoverability problems, especially when competing against the convenience of established app stores.

In essence, while PWAs offer a platform-agnostic path and Android provides more flexibility, the landscape for iOS is slowly changing due to regulatory pressure, though Apple maintains a degree of control. The core challenge for any alternative remains gaining user visibility and acceptance.