Setapp Will Be One of iPhone's First Alternative App Marketplaces in EU

[MacRumors]

MacPaw today announced that Setapp will be available as an alternative app marketplace on the iPhone in the EU starting in April. Those wanting access to the beta version can join a waitlist, and developers interested in the platform can apply on this page.

Alternative app marketplaces are among the several changes that Apple is implementing in the EU with iOS 17.4, in order to comply with the Digital Markets Act.

On the Mac, Setapp is a popular subscription-based service that provides users with access to a curated collection of dozens of popular apps for $9.99 per month. This includes apps like Ulysses, iStat Menus, Spark Mail, Unite, Yoink, and more. Starting with iOS 17.4 and later, Setapp will be available directly on the iPhone in the EU.

MacPaw said the Setapp Mobile beta will offer a "carefully selected assortment of apps":

• Productivity and Business Tools: Boost your efficiency with tools for managing your schedule, staying on track, personalizing your internet experience, and much more.

• Creative and Design Software: Unlock your creative potential with intuitive tools designed for photo animation, document creation, and more.

• Lifestyle and Productivity: Improve your daily routines with apps that help you build better habits, stay updated with the latest news, and efficiently manage your notes and ideas.

• Utility Apps: Make everyday tasks easier with applications that enable you to share files effortlessly, monitor your spending, and streamline your idea organization process.

• Specialized Professional Tools: Engage with advanced applications tailored for detailed document searches, comprehensive database management, and more.

MacPaw is one of the first companies to announce plans to offer an alternative app marketplace on the iPhone in the EU, along with Epic Games. Setapp subscribers on the Mac can already access a collection of iOS apps with a QR code system, and the alternative app marketplace will offer a more streamlined experience.

Apple is expected to release iOS 17.4 on or before March 6, the deadline for complying with the Digital Markets Act. For additional details about the changes coming to the App Store and more in the EU, read our previous coverage. The changes do not apply outside of the EU, nor do they apply to iPadOS in any country.

Article Link: Setapp Will Be One of iPhone's First Alternative App Marketplaces in EU

 

[hagar]

A happy EU-based Setapp user here. So I will definitely be downloading.

Regardless of the unwarranted drama about these alternative stores being a gateway to hell.

 

[josselinco]

They were so smart with SetApp. Been paying for 6 years for 10 apps I could have just bought by now 😅

 

[Danilamak]

Well subscription based app store is interesting. Let's see where it will goes

 

[tonyob]

No thanks. Will only ever use the Apple App Store!

 

[nuff_said]

A happy EU-based Setapp user here. So I will definitely be downloading.

Regardless of the unwarranted drama about these alternative stores being a gateway to hell.

Don’t you know the risks of viruses, your information being stolen, and your life being ruined! /s

 

[SactoGuy18]

If Setapp becomes at tab in the App Store (possibly as early as iOS 18.x), then that might be a different story.

 

[error]

I (EU citizen) am so not interested in alternative app marketplaces.

 

[erikkfi]

I look forward to hearing about the interesting, innovative apps that were rejected from the App Store for content or legal reasons that SetApp will now offer.

 

[erikkfi]

I (EU citizen) am so not interested in alternative app marketplaces.

As far as I know the App Store isn't going away so you should be good.

 

[hagar]

Don’t you know the risks of viruses, your information being stolen, and your life being ruined! /s

Exactly. I’ve been a Setapp user for many years. I trust them and I’m sure they will respect this. One malware app in their store and their reputation is destroyed.

Also, the haters do realize devs are required to sell the same version of their apps in the different stores? So it’s simply impossible to have a clean App Store version and a dirty third party version.

 

[treacher]

Oh my god, it's already too late?! I thought we were still fiercely defending the benefits of a walled garden? What's going on, is this real life?

 

[Bigkool2inSC]

Nothing wrong with choice and if one choose to install something on their own device they paid money for.
That's their.. you guessed it... CHOICE

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Apple only have themselves to blame.

 

[Substance90]

If I didn't already own TablePlus, I would totally use Setapp. If you're interested in 2-3 of those apps, the monthly subscription is easily cheaper than each app's own subscription.

 

[AppleTO]

From my understanding of the new rules, Setapp will have to allow other developers to submit to their app to their store as well:

• Agree to build an app whose primary purpose is discovery and distribution of apps, including apps from other developers.

So essentially it can't be for only their own apps.

 

[spazzcat]

Let the subscription wars begin.

 

[Harry Haller]

No, thanks.

Choice is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

 

[dominiongamma]

Makes me sick to my stomach what the EU is doing to the iPhone. I wish Apple would just leave instead dealing with this nightmare

 

[timber]

This will be fun.

Makes me sick to my stomach what the EU is doing to the iPhone. I wish Apple would just leave instead dealing with this nightmare

Don't worry about them. Them just love money too much. You should too and don't care.

 

[Harry Haller]

Makes me sick to my stomach what the EU is doing to the iPhone. I wish Apple would just leave instead dealing with this nightmare

Why is it a nightmare?

 

[spazzcat]

So each app gets a few pennies from the subscription vs 70% of the revenue from the App Store?

 

[page3]

Choice is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

The choice is to buy an android device.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

If you download it you will die of malware.

 

[iOS Geek]

From my understanding of the new rules, Setapp will have to allow other developers to submit to their app to their store as well:

• Agree to build an app whose primary purpose is discovery and distribution of apps, including apps from other developers.

So essentially it can't be for only their own apps.

And with that...some developers might learn they were better off before this. Between running their own storefront and being required to host other developers' apps on said storefront...there's going to be some backend costs, which is going to require spending money they didn't previously need to. Running your own marketplace isn't free and neither is being required to host apps that aren't even yours.