Setapp is planning to be the first third-party app store for iOS devices

[Cal Jeffrey]

Opening the gates: Europe might see its first third-party Apple app store by next year. Last year the European Union passed the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The legislation forbids "gatekeeper" companies like Apple and Google from forcing developers to use their platforms and services, including payment methods. The European Commission enacted the rules on November 1, 2022, and platform holders have until next year to comply.

A service called "Setapp" plans to offer iPhone, iPad, and macOS users an alternative to Apple's walled garden in 2024. The business model is geared more like Sony's PlayStation Plus or Xbox's Game Pass. Users pay a monthly fee for complete access to the company's 240+ curated apps.

Currently, the library is limited to only four categories – Optimize, Work, Create, and Develop. Sorry no games yet. However, some well-known user favorites already exist on the macOS version of the platform, including ClearVPN, project management app SheetPlanner, writing/publishing utility Ulysses, and programming tool CodeRunner.

Setapp includes an AI assistant similar to ChatGPT, which can advise users on which apps best suit their needs. Subscribers can also ask the chatbot about other topics, like how to perform a fresh install of macOS.

�"� Exciting news for iPhone users in Europe! @Setapp, the ultimate app subscription service for macOS and iOS, is planning to launch as an alternative app store!

Join the waitlist and be the first to explore: https://t.co/pbpcM5JzvP#Apple #AppStore #DMA #DigitalMarketsAct pic.twitter.com/ECgthzXzt1

– Setapp (@Setapp) August 15, 2023

Since Apple does not restrict Macs from downloading off-platform, macOS subscriptions are already available starting at $10 per month for one computer. Setapp is waiting on Apple to comply with DMA rules, so the company has not revealed an iOS-only pricing plan. However, $10 per month aligns with its current subscription tiers.

Setapp's other tiers include the Mac + iOS plan for $12.50 monthly starting sometime next year. This tier provides access for one Mac and 4 iOS devices. A Power User subscription is the same but adds three more Macs for $15 monthly. All plans have a 10-percent discount when paying for a year upfront. Subscriptions start with a one-week trial, during which users can cancel without being charged. Users only interested in the iOS version can join the waitlist for plan pricing and availability updates.

It's worth mentioning that this alternative app store is only available in the EU. However, Apple is said to be making drastic changes to iOS that possibly include the ability to sideload software to comply with the DMA. These features may very well bleed into global builds since it's much easier to maintain a single operating system rather than two. We'll see what happens this fall when Apple unveils iOS 17.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/99883-setapp-plans-first-ever-off-platform-ios-app.html

 

[VitalyT]

It'll drop prices, for sure, and open a malware gateway. So it is good news for app developers, but not so good for the end users.

 

[HeeeF]

It'll drop prices, for sure, and open a malware gateway. So it is good news for app developers, but not so good for the end users.

Android has had sideloading for forever, not once have I installed malware. MacOS has had sideloading for forever. Windows has sideloading. Linux distros all have sideloading. Why not iOS?

The best anti-virus/malware is common sense.

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

I'm sure Apple will be keeping a close eye on this company.

 

[polord]

It'll drop prices, for sure, and open a malware gateway. So it is good news for app developers, but not so good for the end users.

I think you have to download that malware gateway app first. If you do not download it, no gateway I think..

 

[Nobina]

This might be a legit reason to get an iPhone if I can sideload a bunch of replacements for popular apps with better UI and no ads.

 

[sorten]

They'll probably need to spend millions on free giveaways like Epic Games to get people to visit. Why would I pay $10/mo. for access to apps that are currently free?

 

[Bobbydpue]

It'll drop prices, for sure, and open a malware gateway. So it is good news for app developers, but not so good for the end users.

Apple has allowed malware into their store before, so it's not a perfect system. Apple has kept legitimate software off of their store, too, due to their stupid processes.
I don't see it lowering prices since it's a subscription service. One you stop subscribing all the money you spent was basically for nothing. I image Apple benefits from this somehow.

 

[Plutoisaplanet]

Android has had sideloading for forever, not once have I installed malware. MacOS has had sideloading for forever. Windows has sideloading. Linux distros all have sideloading. Why not iOS?

The best anti-virus/malware is common sense.

Actually iOS has sideloading without jailbreaking it and as such there is an existing app store that supports apps like emulators: https://altstore.io/

 

[antiproduct]

I wish it wasn't subscription based. I hate paying monthly for stuff like this. I would rather just buy an app outright and own it. I guess the companies want their steady stream of cash from end users.