MacPaw Releases Setapp Mobile: A New Alternative App Store in the EU
MacPaw, a Ukraine-based app developer, has announced the release of its alternative mobile app store, Setapp Mobile, in accordance with the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules in the European Union (EU). After conducting closed beta testing with select users, MacPaw is now offering Setapp Mobile to all users in an open beta. With over 50 apps in various categories such as productivity, finance, video, photo, and creativity, Setapp Mobile provides a diverse range of options for users.
A New Approach to App Distribution
While Setapp Mobile functions as a marketplace, users can access all the available apps through a $9.99 monthly subscription with a seven-day trial. To use Setapp Mobile, users must have iOS 17.4 or later installed on their devices and an Apple ID associated with an EU member state. MacPaw was one of the first companies to agree to Apple’s controversial DMA agreement, allowing them to distribute apps through a non-App Store medium. However, the company is still fine-tuning its business model and user experience and has released this initial version of Setapp Mobile as an open beta.
Improving User Experience
Yaroslav Stepanenko, the director of marketing at MacPaw, acknowledges that there is room for improvement in terms of user experience, the number of applications, and the categories offered. The company aims to gather user feedback during the open beta phase to refine the app store further. MacPaw is also mindful of striking a balance between the number of applications available and the number of users to ensure a seamless discovery process for participating developers.
Expanding MacPaw’s Reach
MacPaw has primarily focused on Mac-specific apps, offering subscription tiers that allow users to download companion iOS apps. However, with Setapp Mobile, the company aims to tap into the vast user base of iPhone users in the EU. Stepanenko highlights MacPaw’s successful track record in distributing apps in the desktop space and their goal to replicate that experience in the iOS market.
Controversy Surrounding Apple’s DMA Implementation
One of the most contentious aspects of Apple’s DMA implementation is the Core Technology Fee (CTF). Developers distributing their apps through alternative app marketplaces are required to pay €0.50 for each first annual install per year after surpassing the 1 million installs limit. Regulators are currently investigating whether Apple’s terms comply with the DMA. MacPaw has not made any predictions regarding whether they will have to pay these fees for distributing their own apps through various methods.
Competition in the EU Market
In addition to MacPaw, other app stores are also entering the EU market. Aptoide, a long-standing third-party Android store, launched a game store specifically for the EU. AltStore PAL, another alternative app store, offers the game emulator Delta, along with other Patreon-backed apps. While there may be initial interest from users eager to explore these new stores and their offerings, the main challenge for these third-party app stores will be marketing themselves to different categories of users and retaining their user base in the long run.
Conclusion
With the release of Setapp Mobile, MacPaw aims to provide an alternative app store for iOS users in the EU while complying with the new DMA rules. By offering a diverse range of apps through a subscription model, MacPaw hopes to cater to the needs of millions of iPhone users. However, the success of Setapp Mobile and other alternative app stores in the EU will depend on their ability to address user concerns, provide a seamless user experience, and compete effectively with Apple’s App Store.