Skich: A new EU market entry fits in line with Aptoide Store integration, and Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT AppGallery in the EU Market for the Third platform
Mobile app ecosystem is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by regulatory changes like the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the rise of open-source marketplaces and OS platforms
The mobile app ecosystem is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by regulatory changes like the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the rise of open-source platforms. Skich, a newly launched dynamic player in the app market that is gaming oriented, where Oniro community can capitalize on this momentum by expanding beyond the traditional iOS App Store and Google Play Store to integrate with Oniro version of Aptoide, and Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT/5 AppGallery commercial game distributions. Here’s how this multi-platform strategy positions Skich for success in the EU and beyond.
1. Commercial Industry Embracing Open Source with Aptoide
The Aptoide integration on Oniro represents a ground-breaking shift toward open-source app distribution. Built on the OpenHarmony ecosystem, Oniro offers developers zero fees for publishing apps and games, along with full control over monetization strategies like in-app purchases or ads. For Skich, this aligns with cost-efficiency goals while ensuring compliance with DMA regulations that challenge Big Tech’s dominance.
Technical Synergy: Oniro supports cross-platform development frameworks like React Native and ArkUI, allowing Skich to adapt its app seamlessly without rewriting code. The unified APIs in OpenHarmony (since version 5.0.0) further streamline compatibility with HarmonyOS NEXT.
EU Market Access: Oniro’s DMA-compliant model ensures Skich can tap into the EU’s “gatekeeper-free” market, where users increasingly demand alternatives to Apple and Google. The store’s potential bundling with Huawei’s AppGallery on HarmonyOS Next devices amplifies reach.
2. Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT/5 AppGallery: A Gateway to China and Beyond
Huawei’s AppGallery, part of the HarmonyOS Next ecosystem, offers Skich access to over 1.4 billion devices in China and growing markets in Europe. Key advantages include:
Reduced Fees: Huawei’s 20% revenue cut (with case-by-case negotiations) undercuts Apple and Google’s 30% standard, improving Skich’s profit margins.
Technical Compatibility: HarmonyOS Next shares a codebase with OpenHarmony, enabling Skich to deploy apps across both platforms efficiently. Huawei’s DevEco Studio IDE simplifies adaptation, reducing development time.
With HarmonyOS holding a 17% market share in China with 4% global market share (Q3 2024) and expanding into IoT devices, Skich gains exposure to smart TVs, wearables, and automotive systems.
3. Aptoide: Diversifying Distribution in the EU
While not detailed in the provided sources, Aptoide’s inclusion aligns with Skich’s strategy to diversify app distribution. As one of Europe’s largest independent cross platform app stores, Aptoide offers:
Decentralized Model: Users can create their own app stores, fostering niche markets.
DMA Compliance: Aptoide’s alternative billing systems and reduced fees resonate with EU regulations, complementing Skich’s multi-store approach.
4. Regulatory and Market Advantages in the EU
The DMA mandates that dominant platforms (e.g., Apple, Google) allow third-party app stores. Skich’s expansion into Oniro Aptoide integration, and Huawei’s ecosystem of the wider multi-layered OpenHarmony ecosystem leverages this shift by:
Avoiding Monopoly Fees: Oniro’s zero fees and Huawei’s flexible terms enhance profitability.
Privacy and Security: OpenHarmony’s privacy-focused architecture appeals to EU users wary of data misuse.
5. Future Outlook: A Unified Cross-Platform Ecosystem
By integrating with these platforms, Skich positions itself at the intersection of open-source innovation and commercial scalability. The Open Mobile Hub (OMH) 2.5 framework (planned for Q3 2025) will further unify app distribution across Oniro and HarmonyOS, enabling features like DRM transparency and community-driven app curation.
Conclusion
Skich’s multi-store strategy not only diversifies revenue streams but also aligns with global trends toward open ecosystems and regulatory fairness. By embracing Huawei AppGallery, and Aptoide store integration on Eclipse Oniro and OpenAtom OpenHarmony platform, Skich is poised to thrive in the EU’s evolving market while securing a foothold in China’s booming tech landscape alongside the entire global market on the third major platform. For developers and users alike, this expansion heralds a future of choice, flexibility, and innovation.
Original Article on Skich (TechCrunch): Skich launches an alternative app store on iOS in the EU