Apple Pulls iTorrent From EU AltStore PAL, Leaving Users in Limbo

Torrenting apps have never been allowed on Apple’s App Store, but the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) changed the landscape in 2024. By requiring Apple to support alternative marketplaces such as AltStore PAL, the law opened the door for software the company has historically banned. That’s how iTorrent, a well-known BitTorrent client, made its way to iOS devices in the region. Now, Apple has pulled the plug again, revoking the app’s distribution rights without warning.

What Happened to iTorrent

In July 2025, AltStore PAL users noticed iTorrent was no longer available for download. Some assumed it was a technical issue with the marketplace, but the real cause was Apple directly removing the app’s “Alternative Distribution” rights from the developer’s account. That effectively blocked it from appearing on AltStore PAL.

Developer Daniil Vinogradov, also known as XITRIX, said Apple gave no reason for the takedown. After several attempts to get clarification, he only received vague replies before being told the matter was under review by Apple’s escalation team. Even AltStore PAL’s co-founder, Shane Gill, confirmed they were met with the same non-committal responses. For now, both the developer and the platform are stuck waiting for answers.

How Apple’s Notarization Shut It Down

The removal stems from Apple’s notarization process, a system Mac developers have long dealt with. Under the DMA, all apps distributed through alternative marketplaces still have to be notarized by Apple. The process is designed to screen for malware, viruses, fraud, and functionality issues. If notarization is revoked at any point, the app is immediately pulled from circulation.

That’s exactly what happened to iTorrent. Once Apple withdrew its notarization, the app disappeared from AltStore PAL. This is not an isolated case either. In 2024, Apple blocked Mini vMac, a Macintosh emulator, citing trademark issues and licensing violations.

Why iTorrent Was Targeted

The reasoning behind Apple’s move remains unclear. The company hasn’t accused iTorrent of security risks, fraud, or violating app functionality standards. Nor has it introduced a blanket ban on torrent clients across AltStore PAL. Competing apps such as qBitControl remain available, which makes the removal more puzzling.

For Vinogradov, the lack of communication has been a source of frustration. “I still have no idea if it was my fault or Apple’s, and their responses make no sense,” he told TorrentFreak. AltStore PAL’s team echoed the concern, noting that they were never informed torrent apps could be blocked in this way.

The Larger Battle: Apple vs. the EU

The episode highlights the tension between Apple’s continued control and the EU’s attempt to loosen its grip. While the DMA was meant to expand choice for iPhone and iPad users, Apple’s notarization rules give it the ability to shut down apps even when they’re distributed outside its official store.

For now, iTorrent remains unavailable while Apple’s escalation team reviews the case. There is no timeline for a decision, and no clear explanation has been offered. The uncertainty leaves developers and users alike questioning whether alternative app stores in the EU truly provide the freedom they were promised.

Whether this is a security measure or an extension of Apple’s long-standing policy against torrent clients, the precedent could be significant. If Apple can quietly remove apps without explanation, the future of open distribution on iOS in Europe looks far less certain than many hoped.

Would losing iTorrent change how you use alternative app stores? Share your thoughts in the comments below.