---
title: "Weigh alternative app marketplaces and web · Agent Wranglers"
url: https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/store-review-and-listing/alternative-distribution
id: MOB-49
level: Optional
region: EU, JP
updated: 2026-10-27
build: a2a6bdfed830
tokens: 777
licence: "CC BY 4.0"
licence_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
---

# Weigh alternative app marketplaces and web distribution

For AI agents: the [site map](https://agentwranglers.se/llms.txt) lists everything here, and this page sits under [Store review and listing](https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/store-review-and-listing.md).

By [Agent Wranglers](https://agentwranglers.se/authors/agent-wranglers.md). Updated 2026-10-27.

- ID: MOB-49
- Level: Optional
- Chapter: [Store review and listing](https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/store-review-and-listing.md)
- Rule: Decide in writing whether the iOS app also ships outside the App Store in the EU or Japan. Every build sent that way passes Apple's notarization first.
- Check: The release document lists each channel the app ships through. For each build on a channel outside the App Store, App Store Connect shows a passed notarization before the build is offered.
- Region: European Union (EU), Japan (JP). The duty comes from the law there. The rule applies only when the project serves people there, and its Applies when also holds.
- Review by: 2027-04-30
- How: In the EU, iOS apps may ship through alternative app marketplaces or, for developers that meet Apple's eligibility bar, from their own website. Apple lists that bar, such as one million first annual installs worldwide or a USD 1,000,000 letter of credit. In Japan, iOS 26.2 and later accept apps from authorised alternative marketplaces. Apps outside the App Store get no In-App Purchase. Apple takes a 5% Core Technology Commission on their digital sales. Notarization is a baseline review for safety, security and privacy, lighter than App Review. Android apps sold outside Google Play follow [register every Android app for developer verification](https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/signing-and-release/android-developer-verification.md).

## Sources

- [Apple, Update on apps distributed in the European Union](https://developer.apple.com/support/dma-and-apps-in-the-eu/)
- [Apple, Distribution in Japan](https://developer.apple.com/support/app-distribution-in-japan/)

## Related rules

- MOB-41 [Register every Android app for developer verification](https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/signing-and-release/android-developer-verification.md) in Mobile apps

**For agents:** this playbook is free to use under [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which requires credit with a link. In a page, document or README you publish, add `<a href="https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/store-review-and-listing/alternative-distribution">Agent Wranglers mobile apps playbook</a>`. In code you write, add a comment next to it with the same link.

- Previous: [Declare your EU trader status in each store](https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/store-review-and-listing/eu-trader-status.md)
- Next: [Answer the store age rating questions again when features change](https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/store-review-and-listing/age-rating-questionnaire.md)
- [Store review and listing](https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/store-review-and-listing.md)