MacPaw, a software development firm, is among the pioneers in adopting Apple’s new DMA (Digital Markets Act) regulation in the EU. Setapp Mobile, one of the initial third-party iPhone app stores, is poised for launch. The Beta version of the Setapp store will be released by the company on Thursday, with the stable version slated for April 2024. Users can sign up for the beta version’s waitlist, while developers keen on the alternative app marketplace can apply via the provided page.
Setapp, a renowned subscription platform for macOS, provides users with a collection of over 240 third-party apps for a monthly subscription cost of $9.99. Among its offerings are popular apps such as MindNode, Ulysses, Session, iStat Menus, Unite, Spark Mail, and many others.
Starting from iOS 17.4 and beyond, Setapp Mobile will be accessible on iPhones within the European Union. This alternative iOS app store will showcase a curated collection of apps, including popular choices from the Setapp catalog. Setapp Mobile will provide a range of categories, including Productivity and Business tools, Lifestyle and Productivity apps, Creative and Design Software, Specialized professional tools, and Utility tools.
Indeed, Setapp’s upcoming iOS app store will not be offered for free. While it will require a subscription, the exact pricing remains uncertain for now. Yaroslav Stepanenko, MacPaw’s product marketing manager, informed The Verge, “The pricing will adhere to standard subscription models, but it has yet to be determined.”
As part of DMA compliance, Apple will be required to include alternative app stores in the EU with the release of iOS 17.4. This development will allow iPhone users in the EU to install alternative app stores, providing access to a wider range of apps that aren’t available on Apple’s official App Store. Previously, Apple staunchly opposed sideloading, barring the operation of third-party app marketplaces on the iPhone.
When it comes to Setapp, it adopts a distinctive approach to the app store model. Rather than requiring users to purchase apps individually, it provides access to all its apps through a single monthly subscription.
“We’re launching a new journey for the software industry, prioritizing the cultivation of a lively and diverse app landscape. Our meticulous curation guarantees that each app, feature, and update resonates with our ethos of purposeful productivity.” – CEO of MacPaw
iOS 17.4 is anticipated to be released by Apple on or before March 6, coinciding with the EU’s DMA deadline. It’s important to note that these changes to the App Store guidelines are exclusive to the EU and do not extend to other regions. Additionally, they do not encompass iPadOS in any country.
At present, MacPaw stands among the initial companies introducing an alternative app store on iPhones within the EU, alongside Epic Games. Despite Apple’s relaxation of certain restrictions, the success of third-party app stores on iOS remains to be seen. It’s worth noting that Apple will levy a commission of 50 euro cents per installation to developers once an app surpasses 1 million downloads annually in the EU.
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