Apple has reportedly started testing third-party app stories in Japan, leaked screenshots suggest. An X user shared a post claiming that third-party app stores are now supported in the iOS 26.2 beta in Japan. The change, if true as claimed, follows a ruling by Japan’s Fair Trade Commission in August, which required both Apple and Google to allow alternative app stores in the country, according to reports.
The new development in Japan was shared by developer Cizzuk on X (formerly Twitter), who posted screenshots from the iOS 26.2 beta showing access to alternative app stores such as AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store .
The tweet, written in Japanese, said:
“iOS 26.2 Beta 1 now allows alternative app stores to be available in Japan too! You can use AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store!”
Apple has not yet made an official announcement on the rollout of third-party app stores in Japan.
Japan to become 29th country to get third-party app stores
With this update, Japan will become the 29th country where iPhone users can access third-party app stores. The company has opened up support for third-party app stores under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in 27 European countries like France,Germany and more.
According to reports, other markets are expected to follow, as regulators and courts around the world continue to challenge Apple’s App Store monopoly.
Apple has faced growing antitrust scrutiny globally for restricting app distribution to its own App Store and charging developers commissions on sales. Regulators in the European Union enforced similar changes earlier this year under the Digital Markets Act, which forced Apple to open up app distribution across its 27 member nations.
Countries like Brazil have already taken similar steps, while Australia is expected to do so soon. Despite these moves, Apple continues to oppose such rulings, including calling for the DMA to be repealed.
The new development in Japan was shared by developer Cizzuk on X (formerly Twitter), who posted screenshots from the iOS 26.2 beta showing access to alternative app stores such as AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store .
The tweet, written in Japanese, said:
“iOS 26.2 Beta 1 now allows alternative app stores to be available in Japan too! You can use AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store!”
Apple has not yet made an official announcement on the rollout of third-party app stores in Japan.
Japan to become 29th country to get third-party app stores
With this update, Japan will become the 29th country where iPhone users can access third-party app stores. The company has opened up support for third-party app stores under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in 27 European countries like France,Germany and more.
According to reports, other markets are expected to follow, as regulators and courts around the world continue to challenge Apple’s App Store monopoly.
Apple has faced growing antitrust scrutiny globally for restricting app distribution to its own App Store and charging developers commissions on sales. Regulators in the European Union enforced similar changes earlier this year under the Digital Markets Act, which forced Apple to open up app distribution across its 27 member nations.
Countries like Brazil have already taken similar steps, while Australia is expected to do so soon. Despite these moves, Apple continues to oppose such rulings, including calling for the DMA to be repealed.
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