Setapp, one of the first third-party app stores on iOS, is set to launch its beta version in the European Union. The software company MacPaw, which owns Setapp, plans to officially launch the app store in April. Currently available only on macOS, Setapp offers users access to over 240 third-party apps for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99.
The new iOS app store will feature a carefully selected assortment of apps, including popular ones from the Setapp catalog. Users can expect to find a range of apps, from productivity and business tools to design software, utility apps, and more. While the pricing for the iOS app store has not been defined yet, it will likely follow standard subscription pricing models.
Apple’s previous rules against sideloading made it impossible for third-party app marketplaces to operate on iPhones. However, with the upcoming launch of iOS 17.4 and in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has announced that it will allow third-party app stores on its devices. This move aims to provide iPhone users with more options and access to apps that may not be available on Apple’s App Store.
Setapp takes a unique approach to the app store business by offering all its apps through a single monthly subscription. This model eliminates the need for users to pay individual fees for each app they want, providing a more convenient and cost-effective solution. MacPaw CEO Oleksandr Kosovan believes that Setapp is setting a new path for the software industry towards a better and more diverse app ecosystem.
While Apple’s decision to allow third-party app stores is seen as a positive step, there are concerns about whether these stores will be able to succeed. Critics argue that Apple’s business terms may discourage developers from putting their apps on third-party stores. The new rules impose a “Core Technology Fee” of 50 euro cents per install once an app reaches 1 million downloads annually in the EU, which could impact popular freemium apps significantly.
Overall, the launch of Setapp’s iOS app store in the European Union presents an exciting opportunity for iPhone users to access a wide range of curated apps through a subscription model. As Apple continues to make changes to its app store policies, it remains to be seen how successful third-party app stores will be in the future.