Setapp Mobile Launches in Open Beta as Alternative App Store in EU

Ukraine-based developer MacPaw has announced the open beta release of Setapp Mobile, its alternative app store for iOS devices in the European Union. This launch comes in the wake of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates support for third-party app marketplaces on iOS in the EU.

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Setapp Mobile, which has been in closed beta testing for several months, is now available to all EU users running iOS 17.4 or later. The platform offers a curated selection of over 50 apps across various categories, including productivity, finance, creativity, and utilities.

Unlike traditional app stores, Setapp Mobile operates on a subscription model, where users can access all available apps for a monthly fee of €9.49 for its "iOS Advanced" plan, with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. The app marketplace follows in the footsteps of Setapp's existing Mac-based service, which has gained popularity for its all-in-one app access approach.

The app lineup includes both MacPaw's own offerings and those from third-party developers. Notable apps available at launch include CleanMyPhone, ClearVPN, Riveo video editor, and MonAI, among others, although it's worth noting that several of these apps are free to download on the App Store.

Speaking to TechCrunch, Yaroslav Stepanenko, director of marketing at MacPaw, emphasized the company's focus on user experience and app curation. "We think there is demand for the alternative app store, so we decided to launch it and tune our business model based on the feedback from users," Stepanenko said.

MacPaw is not alone in trying its hand in the EU market for alternative app stores. Aptoide, a veteran third-party store from the Android ecosystem, recently introduced a dedicated game store for iOS. There's also AltStore PAL, featuring the game emulator Delta and various Patreon-supported apps.

These alternative app marketplaces, as Apple calls them, represent a new frontier for app distribution on iOS, but they also faces challenges, such as navigating Apple's controversial Core Technology Fee and competing with its established ‌App Store‌ ecosystem.

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Top Rated Comments

Ctrlos Avatar
7 months ago
Oh great, here we go. Another 15 pages of propaganda from Apple apologists telling us that having alternate storefronts is but a harbinger of the apocalypse without looking at how they have functioned on Android for the last 10 years.

Guys, its getting old now. We all have consumer choice. You can continue to buy groceries from your favorite outlet without bothering people who use the store across the road.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coffeemilktea Avatar
7 months ago

Speaking to TechCrunch ('https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/macpaw-launches-its-alternative-ios-app-store-for-eu-in-open-beta/'), Yaroslav Stepanenko, director of marketing at MacPaw, emphasized the company's focus on user experience and app curation.
Nothing says "incredible user experience" quite like paying a monthly fee of €9.49 so you can download an app called "CleanMyPhone." :p
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SexExpert Avatar
7 months ago

I’m sure most EU iOS users are much happier and thankful that they now have the ability to pay €9.50 a month for access to groundbreaking apps like “CleanMyPhone” than they would be if they had access to Apple Intelligence. Thanks EU!
i thought Americans where supposed to be all for freedom and choice?

I think you're just mad that the EU was able to tell Apple what to do.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
surferfb Avatar
7 months ago
I’m sure most EU iOS users are much happier and thankful that they now have the ability to pay €9.50 a month for access to groundbreaking apps like “CleanMyPhone” than they would be if they had access to Apple Intelligence. Thanks EU!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JackLeBoul Avatar
7 months ago
"The subscription price includes access to Setapp's existing Mac-based service ('https://setapp.com/'),-----"

Reviews of Setapp (Mac-based) have been generally positive, with about 260 apps included in the monthly price, and now you get the mobile store for free or vice-versa. That is not too bad.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mrkevinfinnerty Avatar
7 months ago

I’m sure most EU iOS users are much happier and thankful that they now have the ability to pay €9.50 a month for access to groundbreaking apps like “CleanMyPhone” than they would be if they had access to Apple Intelligence. Thanks EU!
Non EU users looking for their access to Apple Intelligence

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)