Setapp to Launch the First Alternative App Store for iPhones in EU
Mar. 1, 2024With iOS 17.4 and later, Setapp Mobile will be available on the iPhone in the European Union. This alternative app store on iOS will feature a “carefully selected assortment of apps, including fan favorites from the Setapp catalog.” Setapp Mobile will offer Productivity and Business tools, Lifestyle and Productivity apps, Creative and Design Software, Specialized professional tools, and Utility tools as well.
Alternative app storesare one of the major changes that Apple has to implement in the EU with iOS 17.4 to comply with DMA. This will allow iPhone users in the EU to download alternative app stores, from where they can access apps that may not be available on Apple’s official App Store. PreviouslyApple was strictly opposing sideloading, so third-party app marketplaces couldn’t operate on the iPhone.
“We are setting a new path for the software industry towards a better and more diverse app ecosystem. We carefully curate our collection, ensuring that every app, every feature, and every update aligns with our philosophy of meaningful efficiency.”- MacPaw CEO
Apple is expected to roll out iOS 17.4 on or before March 6, which is the deadline for the EU’s DMA. Bear in mind that these App Store guideline changes do not apply outside of the EU. Also, they don’t cover iPadOS in any country.
Right now, MacPaw is one of the first companies to offer an alternative app store on the iPhone in the EU, along with Epic Games. Even ifApple has decided to let go of some of its restrictions, we’ll have to see if the third-party apps store on iOS can be a success. Not to forget,Apple will charge a commissionof 50 euro cents per install to developers, after an app reaches 1 million downloads annually in the EU.
