In a groundbreaking move, MacPaw, the software development company, is gearing up to launch Setapp Mobile, one of the first third-party app stores on iPhones in the European Union. Aligned with Apple’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) rule, the Setapp Store’s beta version is set to be released on Thursday, with the stable version anticipated in April 2024. This development comes as a response to the EU’s requirement for alternative app stores on iOS, allowing users to access apps beyond Apple’s official App Store.
Setapp Mobile, an offshoot of the popular macOS subscription service, Setapp, offers a curated assortment of apps, including favorites from the Setapp catalog, categorized into Productivity, Business Tools, Lifestyle Apps, Creative and Design Software, Specialized Professional Tools, and Utility Tools. While the subscription pricing model for Setapp Mobile has not been finalized, the service is expected to offer a diverse app ecosystem to iPhone users in the EU.
MacPaw’s CEO expressed the company’s commitment to reshaping the software industry, stating, “We are setting a new path for the software industry towards a better and more diverse app ecosystem. We carefully curate our collection, ensuring that every app, every feature, and every update aligns with our philosophy of meaningful efficiency.”
Setapp’s approach stands out, offering users access to over 240 third-party apps through a single monthly subscription. This model has garnered attention as an innovative departure from traditional pay-per-app models.
As Apple prepares to roll out iOS 17.4 by March 6, the deadline for compliance with the EU’s DMA, Setapp and other alternative app stores are poised to transform the app market on iPhones in the European Union. While Setapp and Epic Games are among the pioneers in offering alternative app stores, the success and adoption of these platforms remain to be seen, especially considering Apple’s commission structure for developers.
