Apple removes torrent client distributed only through alternative app stores
Apple has further blocked the distribution of its torrent client iTorrent through its alternative app store AltStore PAL in the European Union. Although apps such as iTorrent and qBitControl have been available since July last year, the company simply withdrew the app's digital signature in July 2025 without any clear explanation.
The developer of iTorrent , Russian Daniil Vinogradov, said that Apple did not provide a specific reason for the blocking, only general answers and a promise that his opinion was very important to them.
Although the EU has a Digital Markets Act that allows alternative app stores, Apple still applies a notarisation process - a basic check for malware, viruses and fraud. This makes it much harder for Russian malware to get onto iOS. AltStore PAL also contacted Apple for clarification, but only received a response that the company was "looking into the situation".
At the moment, there is no confirmation that Apple has implemented a blanket ban on torrenting apps, but the iTorrent case raises concerns about transparency and control even within alternative platforms.
If you are using apps or games that originate in Russia, don't wait for Apple to do the work for you, uninstall potentially dangerous apps now.
Source: www.macrumors.com
