Ukraine-based developer MacPaw has introduced the open beta launch of Setapp Cellular, its different app retailer for iOS gadgets within the European Union. This launch comes within the wake of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates help for third-party app marketplaces on iOS within the EU.
Setapp Cellular, which has been in closed beta testing for a number of months, is now out there to all EU customers working iOS 17.4 or later. The platform affords a curated choice of over 50 apps throughout numerous classes, together with productiveness, finance, creativity, and utilities.
Not like conventional app shops, Setapp Cellular operates on a subscription mannequin, the place customers can entry all out there apps for a month-to-month price of €9.49, with a seven-day free trial for brand new subscribers. The subscription worth consists of entry to Setapp’s current Mac-based service, which has gained reputation for its all-in-one app entry method.
The app lineup consists of each MacPaw’s personal choices and people from third-party builders. Notable apps out there at launch embody CleanMyPhone, ClearVPN, Riveo video editor, and MonAI, amongst others, though it is value noting that a number of of those apps are free to obtain on the App Retailer.
Talking to TechCrunch, Yaroslav Stepanenko, director of selling at MacPaw, emphasised the corporate’s concentrate on consumer expertise and app curation. “We predict there’s demand for the choice app retailer, so we determined to launch it and tune our enterprise mannequin primarily based on the suggestions from customers,” Stepanenko stated.
MacPaw just isn’t alone in attempting its hand within the EU marketplace for different app shops. Aptoide, a veteran third-party retailer from the Android ecosystem, not too long ago launched a devoted recreation retailer for iOS. There’s additionally AltStore PAL, that includes the sport emulator Delta and numerous Patreon-supported apps.
These different app marketplaces, as Apple calls them, symbolize a brand new frontier for app distribution on iOS, however in addition they faces challenges, resembling navigating Apple’s controversial Core Expertise Charge and competing with its established App Retailer ecosystem.
