Setapp
is one of the first
third-party iOS app stores
to go live in the
European Union
as the
Digital Markets Act
goes into effect later in March.
MacPaw
announced a beta version of its Setapp, an alternative app marketplace, which is set to launch in the EU next month, i.e., April.
MacPaw's announcement comes ahead of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) going into effect in March.
The DMA requires Apple to allow other app stores on iOS in the region to increase competition.
The Setapp subscription service differs from Apple's App Store in offering a curated set of apps across categories like productivity, design, lifestyle, and more. Users pay a monthly fee for unlimited access rather than paying for individual apps.
The iOS version will offer a "carefully selected assortment" of apps from the Mac catalogue, says the company, like Ulysses, iStat Menus, Spark Mail, Unite, Yoink, and others. The collection encompasses over 240 apps currently.
MacPaw said the Setapp iOS beta will be available to EU customers next month. Pricing is still to be announced but will likely be comparable to Mac's $9.99 monthly fee. Developers can also apply to join the platform if interested in additional iOS distribution.
The company hasn't projected the potential revenue impact but said it is committed to enhancing the customer experience and delivering value to participating developers. It's unclear if the model will be profitable, given Apple's DMA fees.
Companies like Spotify, Epic Games, and Microsoft have criticised Apple's DMA compliance plans, taking issue with Apple's commission fees for apps distributed outside its App Store. But MacPaw said it has opted into Apple's new DMA rules, which don't allow reverting to the old system.
Setapp Offers "Better, More Diverse" iOS Ecosystem, says MacPaw CEO
"We are setting a new path for the software industry towards a better and more diverse app ecosystem," said MacPaw CEO Oleksandr Kosovan. "This will offer customers more choices and a better overall user experience."
"With Setapp our promise is simple: to offer software and tools that streamline your workflow, ignite your creativity, and amplify your impact," he added. "We carefully curate our collection, ensuring that every app, every feature, and every update aligns with our philosophy of meaningful efficiency."
MacPaw said EU customers interested in trying the new app store beta can sign up on the Setapp website. An official launch is expected in April, alongside the rollout of iOS 17.4.
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