According to TorrentFreak, Apple recently banned the BitTorrent download app iTorrent from distribution through the EU third-party app marketplace AltStore Pal. This decision has sparked skepticism among developers, as Apple has not provided a clear rationale for the ban. Since July 2024, BitTorrent-like apps like iTorrent and qBitControl have been available for download to EU users through the platform, yet these apps have never been approved for Apple's official App Store.
The ban stems from the EU's Digital Markets Directive, which requires Apple to relax its controls on third-party app marketplaces. However, Apple retains the right to review unofficial apps through a "notarized process," including basic security checks and fraud prevention verification. Since July 2025, users have reported being unable to download iTorrent. Its developer, Daniil Vinogradov, responded to inquiries with Apple, stating that Apple was "investigating" and did not disclose specific details of the violation.
It is unclear whether the ban is related to security risks. AltStore Pal also received no prior warning, and upon inquiring with Apple, it received the same response. Analysts believe that this incident may target a single application rather than a complete ban on BT tools, but Apple's ambiguous handling method has exacerbated developers' confusion.
