# Welcome to Onside Store: Alternative iOS App Store for the EU and Japan

The **Onside Store** is an alternative iOS app marketplace for users in the **European Union (EU)** and **Japan**.

You can **discover, download, install, and update iOS apps** that may not be available on the Apple App Store.

### Quick answers (most common questions)

* **Where is the Onside Store available?** EU (excluding the UK) and Japan. You must be **physically located** there. A **VPN won’t bypass** this.
* **Which devices are supported?**
  * **EU:** iPhone (iOS **17.6+**) and iPad (iPadOS **18+**)
  * **Japan:** iPhone only (iOS **26.2+**). **Not available on iPad**
* **How do I install it?** Follow the [Installation Guide →](https://docs.onside.io/store/getting-started/how-to-install-onside-store). If it fails, use [Troubleshooting Installation Issues →](https://docs.onside.io/store/getting-started/how-to-install-onside-store/troubleshooting-installation-issues).
* **Do I need a specific Apple Account Country/Region?** Yes. Your Apple Account **Country/Region** must be set to an **EU country/region** or **Japan**.
* **Where do I download Onside Store?** Only from our official website: <https://onside.io/>
* **Can I trust Onside?** Yes. We review apps and use secure payments. See [Can I Trust Onside?](https://docs.onside.io/store/authorization-and-safety/can-i-trust-onside).
* **I’m a developer. Where do I start?**
  * Developer landing: <https://developer.onside.io/>
  * Onside Developer Console: <https://console.onside.io/>
* **Why does this exist?** EU distribution is enabled by the **Digital Markets Act (DMA)**. Japan distribution is enabled by the **Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA)**.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Installation requires an Apple Account with **Country/Region** set to an **EU country/region** or **Japan**.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
On **iPad**, you must use an Apple Account set to an **EU country/region**. Onside Store is not available on iPad in Japan.
{% endhint %}

### Jump Right In

Common next steps when you’re getting started:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Install Onside Store</strong></td><td>Install the Onside Store marketplace app and complete setup (EU: iPhone iOS 17.6+ or iPad iPadOS 18+; Japan: iPhone iOS 26.2+ only).</td><td><a href="getting-started/how-to-install-onside-store">Installation Guide →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Sign up or log in</strong></td><td>Create an account to download apps and manage purchases.</td><td><a href="authorization-and-safety/how-to-sign-up">Sign Up Guide →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Browse, search, and discover apps</strong></td><td>Learn how the Onside Store is organized so you can find apps faster.</td><td><a href="onside-app-interface/main-sections">Explore the Onside Store →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Payments in Onside Store</strong></td><td>See supported payment methods and currencies (card, Apple Pay, and more).</td><td><a href="purchases-and-returns/payment-methods-and-currencies">Payment Methods →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Safety, trust, and privacy</strong></td><td>Understand how we review apps and what you can do to stay safe.</td><td><a href="authorization-and-safety/can-i-trust-onside">Safety &#x26; Security →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>For developers</strong></td><td>Start publishing on Onside: visit the developer site and use the Onside Developer Console.</td><td><a href="https://developer.onside.io/">Developer site →</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### Availability & device requirements (details)

<details>

<summary><strong>Where is the Onside Store available?</strong></summary>

The Onside Store is currently available for users **physically located** in:

* An **EU** country (excluding the UK)
* **Japan**

On **iPad**, the Onside Store app is available **in the EU only**. It is **not available on iPad in Japan**.

A VPN will not bypass this requirement.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Which devices and iOS versions are supported?</strong></summary>

* **iPhone:**
  * **EU:** iOS **17.6 or later**
  * **Japan:** iOS **26.2 or later**
* **iPad (EU only):** iPadOS **18 or later**

In **Japan**, Onside Store is **not supported on iPad**.

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you meet the requirements, start with the [Installation Guide →](https://docs.onside.io/store/getting-started/how-to-install-onside-store).
{% endhint %}

***

### Why Onside Store is available (DMA and MSCA)

In the **EU**, alternative iOS app marketplaces are enabled by the **Digital Markets Act (DMA)**.

In **Japan**, alternative iOS app marketplaces are enabled by the **Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA)**.

In Japan, Apple applies additional platform safeguards, including **Notarization** for iOS apps and an **authorization process** for app marketplaces.

***

### What’s different about the Onside Store?

Onside is for users who want more choice in where they get iOS apps, without compromising on safety.

<details>

<summary><strong>More apps and categories (including region-legal, age-gated content)</strong></summary>

The Onside Store can offer apps and games you might not find elsewhere. This can include:

* Popular titles and indie apps
* New releases
* Broader categories (for example: mature-audience apps, crypto, or gaming), where they are legally compliant and appropriately age-gated

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Potential for different prices and offers</strong></summary>

Onside gives developers more flexibility around distribution and monetization. In practice, that can translate into more competitive pricing and better offers on paid apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>A familiar app store experience on iPhone (and iPad in the EU)</strong></summary>

Use the Onside Store like any other iOS app marketplace:

* Browse curated collections and trending apps
* Search for apps by name or category
* Open detailed app pages for screenshots, descriptions, and version information

In many cases, app pages also include **reviews and ratings synced with the Apple App Store**.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Security, privacy, and secure payments</strong></summary>

* **Privacy-first approach:** We minimize data collection and avoid collecting information that isn’t required to operate the Onside Store.
* **App review and checks:** Apps in the Onside Store go through moderation and automated checks before we list them.
* **Secure checkout:** Pay for apps, in-app items, and subscriptions using a **credit/debit card** or **Apple Pay** (with **iDEAL**, **PayPal**, and **Klarna** planned).
* **Updates:** You can keep the Onside Store app and your installed apps up to date (automatic updates depend on your iOS settings).

</details>


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