MacPaw, a Ukraine-based Mac and iOS app developer announced today that it is releasing Setapp, an alternative mobile app store, in response to the EU’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA) restrictions.
Oleksandr Kosovan, MacPaw’s CEO and founder confirmed the update in a press release.
Founded in Kyiv, Ukraine, with offices in Boston and Limassol, MacPaw, is known for its products, such as CleanMyMac X, CleanMy®Phone, Setapp, and ClearVPN.
Setapp Mobile, unlike typical app stores, operates on a subscription basis, allowing users to access all available apps for a monthly charge of €9.49, with new customers receiving a seven-day free trial.
The subscription price includes access to Setapp’s existing Mac-based service, which has grown in popularity due to its all-in-one app access method.
For several months, the company has been testing the app store in closed beta with a restricted group of consumers.
MacPaw now allows all users to test Setapp Mobile in open beta.
The marketplace includes over 50 productivity, finance, video, photo, and creativity apps from MacPaw and other developers.
“We changed the game by providing a clean, intuitive experience where users access the finest apps without the usual clutter.
“Our single subscription model simplifies the app discovery process, making it easier for users to access top-quality apps without hassle.
“For developers, Setapp Mobile offers a fair and transparent platform where their creativity is rewarded, contributing to a more robust and innovative app ecosystem,” Kosovan explained.
Setapp Mobile’s launch comes after the European Union implemented the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which paved the way for alternative app marketplaces.
According to MacPaw’s recent “iOS Market Insights for EU” analysis, such marketplaces are becoming increasingly popular, with 80% of iPhone users and 60% of developers prepared to try third-party app shops.
We earlier reported that Fortnite has returned to the iOS App Store after being removed by Apple over four years ago, but it is only available in the European Union.
The game is now available on a new iPhone version of the Epic Games Store and through AltStore PAL, a third-party app store. The Epic Games Store is now available for Android users worldwide.
