September 17, 2024 – MacPaw, the creator of Setapp, has recently initiated the open beta of Setapp Mobile in the European Union (EU), offering users a new alternative to the traditional app store experience. This all-you-can-eat app store alternative, which has been in development for some time, aims to streamline the process of installing iOS apps under subscription, thereby providing a smoother user experience.
Setapp Mobile, a product of MacPaw, represents the company’s latest endeavor to simplify the installation of iOS applications for subscribers. Previously, users faced a convoluted multi-step process to install apps, in stark contrast to the ease of purchasing from the standard App Store.
Setapp Mobile, which entered a closed beta in early 2024, leverages the provisions of the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which mandates Apple to permit alternative app stores on iPhones. As a subscription-based app store, it significantly reduces the complexity of acquiring apps on devices.
On Wednesday, MacPaw announced the open beta of Setapp Mobile for all EU users. The service is accessible on iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later and requires an Apple ID registered in an EU country.
Users can enjoy a seven-day free trial of Setapp Mobile, after which they will be charged a monthly fee of 9.49 euros (approximately $10.57), unless they are already subscribed to the Power User or AI Expert plans. With a single monthly fee, users can download and install apps from the store to their iPhones free of charge.
While many apps are already available on the Apple App Store, Setapp Mobile promises to offer a potentially more affordable choice for power users.
We’re changing the game by providing a clean, intuitive experience that grants access to the best apps without the clutter, said Oleksandr Kosovan, founder and CEO of MacPaw. Our single subscription model simplifies the app discovery process, making it easier for users to access top-tier apps with ease.
For users in regions outside the US, UK, and EU, the existing methods of app installation remain the only option for now. Until other regions enact laws mandating the presence of third-party app stores, the current approach will prevail.
A New Era for App Stores?
The launch of Setapp Mobile’s open beta in the EU signals a potential shift in the app store landscape. With the EU’s Digital Markets Act paving the way for alternative app stores, users may soon have more options than ever before when it comes to downloading and managing their favorite apps.
This development could also pressure other regions to reconsider their app store policies, potentially leading to a more competitive and diverse app ecosystem. While the future is uncertain, the advent of alternative app stores like Setapp Mobile marks a significant step toward a more consumer-friendly and innovative digital marketplace.
As MacPaw’s Setapp Mobile continues to roll out and gain traction among EU users, it will be interesting to observe how traditional app stores and tech giants like Apple respond to this new form of competition. The potential for growth in alternative app store offerings could redefine how we think about app distribution and subscription models in the future.
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