AltStore@apps @tauon @mot unfortunately yes this is true — to distribute an app with AltStore PAL (or any other alternative marketplace) you still need to pay Apple $99/yr to join their paid developer program.
However, you can distribute apps with AltStore Classic completely free by just providing the app file (.ipa) for users to download. Downside is users will need a computer to install them, and they’ll expire after 7 days
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