Setapp plans to launch an iOS app store in Europe

Setapp plans to launch its own alternative app store in the EU in 2024, taking advantage of legal changes that will allow third-party digital stores to exist on iPhone and iPad.

Apple is reportedly preparing to pass the Digital Markets Act in the European Union. In theory, it will force Apple to allow other developers to add their own app stores to the iPhone and iPad.

Software subscription service Setapp said Tuesday it will introduce its own competing mobile app store in 2024. But, in response to the DMA’s actions, the store will be exclusive to EU users, and the company has launched a waiting list for users.

As gatekeepers like Apple and Google are forced to open up their platforms, Setapp “now has the ability to bring its app store to EU users, enabling them to access and enjoy Setapp’s vast collection of high-quality apps on their iPhones and iPads,” they wrote. companies.

Like Apple’s App Store, Setapp will feature a collection of mobile apps ranging from productivity tools to lifestyle apps. More than 30 developers from the current Setapp for Mac service will be part of the new showcase, including Ulysses, Taskheat, NotePlan and Soulver.

“We consider this event as the first interesting step and we are happy to take part in it. We look forward to further easing of restrictions by Apple around the world in the future,” said Mykola Savin, Head of Product at Setapp.

“In response to requests from our users from the very beginning, the Setapp mobile app store will provide users with a more convenient way to find and use a wide range of applications in one place on their iPhones and iPads, as well as make it easier for developers to reach a wide audience and showcase their apps for iOS users.

Since Setapp has previously worked with web and macOS developers, the creation of the new storefront means that Setapp will be willing to work with iOS developers as well. The company has opened the acceptance of applications from them.

To encourage developers, Setapp also goes against Apple’s notorious 30% commission for buying and selling apps on the App Store.

Setapp will distribute 70% of the user’s monthly fee for the service to the developers of the applications that the user actually uses during the month. In this case, the second guaranteed share of 20% of the remaining amount will be transferred to the partner who brought the user to the service.

While Setapp is more of a subscription app distribution platform than an app store per se, it’s not the only company willing to take on the App Store when the EU allows it.

Epic Games has previously stated that it wants to launch its own Epic Games Store on iOS. And Microsoft has said it plans to bring Xbox games to Apple hardware as soon as EU rules go into effect.