MacPaw announced yesterday that Setapp, an alternative iPhone app shop, will open in the European Union on Tuesday, May 14.
A Setapp marketplace had developed since February when Apple initially announced the alternate app download choices available in iOS 17.4.
Setapp is a subscription-based service that provides access to dozens of apps for $9.99 monthly. Popular programs such as Ulysses, iStat Menus, Spark, Unite, Yoink, and others are available with the current subscription service.
According to MacPaw, Setapp will offer a “carefully picked collection of programs” in productivity, design, lifestyle, utility, and more.
Setapp subscribers can currently access the iOS and Mac app stores for $12.49, but EU customers can also access Setapp apps without downloading them from the App Store. Setapp offers a reliable alternative to the App Store with no costs. However, apps with over 1 million first installs per year must pay Apple’s Core Technology Fee of 0.50 euro.
Alternative app markets require notarization to ensure malware-free software. However, Apple does not have content limitations, allowing for the distribution of apps that may not be eligible for the App Store.