MacPaw, a Ukraine-based developer of Mac and iOS apps, has announced the launch of its alternative mobile app store, Setapp Mobile. This move comes as a result of the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules implemented in the European Union, which allows for the creation of alternative app stores.
Background on the Digital Markets Act
The DMA is a set of regulations designed to promote competition and innovation in digital markets. One key aspect of the DMA is the requirement for tech giants like Apple to open up their ecosystems to third-party developers and platforms. This has led to the development of alternative app stores, which can offer users a wider range of choices and more competitive pricing.
MacPaw’s Setapp Mobile
Setapp Mobile is an alternative mobile app store that offers over 50 apps from various developers, including MacPaw itself. The store features productivity, finance, video, photo, and creativity apps, among others. Users can access all the apps through a single subscription, which costs $9.99 per month with a seven-day trial.
Availability and Requirements
Setapp Mobile is available to users running iOS 17.4 or later on their devices, with an Apple ID associated with an EU member state. This means that users outside of the EU will not be able to access the store at this time.
Business Model and Future Plans
MacPaw has opted for a subscription-based model for Setapp Mobile, which allows users to access all the apps through a single payment plan. However, the company is still refining its business model and user experience, so it’s likely that changes will be made in the future based on user feedback.
Interview with MacPaw’s Director of Marketing
In an interview with TechCrunch, Yaroslav Stepanenko, director of marketing at MacPaw, discussed the reasoning behind launching Setapp Mobile. "We see areas of improvement in terms of user experience, number of applications, and categories we offer," he said. "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."
Addressing Competition
MacPaw has primarily focused on developing Mac-focused apps through various subscription tiers, allowing users to download companion iOS apps for those services. However, with Setapp Mobile, the company aims to address millions of iPhone users in the EU.
"We have a really good track record in distributing apps in the desktop space," Stepanenko said. "Now we have to replicate and apply that experience to the iOS space in the EU."
Controversy Surrounding Apple’s Core Technology Fee
One of the most contentious aspects of Apple’s DMA implementation is its Core Technology Fee (CTF). Developers distributing their apps through alternative app marketplaces will have to pay €0.50 for each first annual install per year after reaching the 1 million installs limit.
Regulators are already investigating Apple’s terms to determine if they comply with the DMA. MacPaw has stated that it hasn’t run any predictions on whether the company will have to pay these fees for distributing its own apps through various methods.
Other Alternative App Stores
Besides MacPaw, other stores are also trying their hands at the EU market. In June, long-time Android third-party store Aptoide launched a game store, and AltStore PAL offers game emulator Delta alongside some other Patreon-backed apps.
While there might be initial interest for users eager to try out these new app stores, it remains to be seen whether they will gain traction in the market.
Conclusion
The launch of Setapp Mobile marks an important milestone in the development of alternative app stores. As more developers and platforms enter the market, users can expect increased competition and a wider range of choices. However, the success of these new stores will depend on their ability to innovate and provide value to users.
