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One of the first alternative app stores in the EU is shutting down
Setapp Mobile, an alternative app store launched in the EU by MacPaw, is shutting down by February 16, 2026. The decision is attributed to complex business conditions stemming from Apple's fees under the Digital Markets Act. Despite its innovative model and user contributions, MacPaw found operating the store no longer viable. The closure impacts apps on Setapp Mobile but not those on Setapp Desktop, with other alternative stores still active in the EU.
Key points
- Setapp Mobile launched in September 2024, offering various apps via a subscription model.
- Shutdown announced due to complex business terms, particularly new Apple fees under the Digital Markets Act.
- Apple's fees include a Core Technology Fee that burdens developers financially and complicates app monetization.
- Setapp Mobile's closedown date is set for February 16, 2026, affecting its mobile app offerings but not desktop applications.
- MacPaw expressed disappointment but emphasized their commitment to future innovations.
Why it matters
- The Digital Markets Act was created to foster competition among app marketplaces and decrease reliance on dominant players like Apple.
- Setapp Mobile's challenges highlight the ongoing struggles of alternative app stores in balancing compliance with business viability.
- The situation mirrors broader trends in 2025 where regulatory frameworks impact digital marketplace operations and innovation.
The shutdown of Setapp Mobile underscores the difficulties faced by alternative app stores under evolving regulations and high operational costs, signaling potential challenges for innovation in the tech sector.