Tech Desk 
Sep 17, 2024
Ukraine-based Mac and iOS app developer MacPaw unveiled that it is ready to launch its alternative mobile app store Setapp because of the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules in the European Union (EU).
The company is said to be checking the app store under closed beta for a long period with particular users. Currently, MacPaw lets all users try Setapp Mobile in open beta.
Setapp Mobile, which is confirmed to be in closed beta testing for several months, is now available to all EU users running iOS 17.4 or later. The platform provides a curated choice of over 50 apps across different categories, including productivity, finance, creativity, and utilities.
Setapp Mobile works on a subscription model, where users are allowed to access all available apps for a monthly fee of €9.49, with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. The subscription price includes access to Setapp's existing Mac-based service, which has attained popularity for its all-in-one app access approach.
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The app listing involves both MacPaw's offerings and those from third-party developers. It is important to note that apps available at launch include CleanMyPhone, ClearVPN, Riveo video editor, and MonAI, among others, and several of these apps are free to download on the App Store.
MacPaw Director Marketing Yaroslav Stepanenko highlighted the company’s aim on user experience and app curation. "We think there is demand for the alternative app store, so we decided to launch it and tune our business model based on the feedback from users," Stepanenko added.
Meanwhile, MacPaw is not alone in testing its hand in the EU market for alternative app stores. Aptoide, a veteran third-party store from the Android ecosystem, recently unveiled a dedicated game store for iOS. There's also AltStore PAL, featuring the game emulator Delta and various Patreon-supported apps.
