MacPaw's Setapp is among the first to adopt Apple's new DMA rules in the EU, offering its subscription-based platform of curated apps to Apple customers on iOS and Mac in the region. Despite pushback from other companies, MacPaw plans to offer a beta version of Setapp in the EU in April, featuring premium, ad-free apps from over 20 developers across various categories. The move comes amid controversy over Apple's new core technology fee, which has been criticized by several companies. While it remains to be seen if this will be a profitable move for MacPaw, the company is committed to investing in the opportunity and enhancing the customer experience.
Setapp, a subscription-based app store currently available on macOS, is set to launch a beta version for iOS in the European Union, with an official launch planned for April. The iOS store will offer a curated selection of apps through a subscription model, but the pricing is yet to be defined. This move comes after Apple announced it would allow third-party app stores on iPhones as part of its compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, although concerns remain about the potential success of third-party app stores due to new business terms and fees imposed by Apple.
MacPaw's Setapp will be available as an alternative app marketplace on the iPhone in the EU starting in April, offering a curated collection of popular apps for a monthly subscription. This move is part of Apple's changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act, and Setapp will provide a carefully selected assortment of productivity, creative, lifestyle, utility, and specialized professional tools. The changes do not apply outside of the EU, nor do they apply to iPadOS in any country.
A recent report from Setapp, an app subscription service, reveals that 42% of Mac users are utilizing AI-based apps on a daily basis, with 63% believing that AI apps are more beneficial than those without AI. The survey also found that 44% of Mac app developers have already implemented AI or machine learning models in their apps, while an additional 28% are working on doing so. The report highlights the interest in AI apps among Mac users, showcasing popular AI apps such as Google's AI Bard and Bing, which integrate AI technology from OpenAI.
Setapp, an app subscription service, plans to launch an alternative app store for iOS and iPadOS in 2024, following the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) that requires "gatekeeper" companies like Apple to open up their platforms. The DMA could force Apple to allow sideloading, enabling users to download apps from outside the official App Store and developers to avoid Apple's fees. Setapp's new app store will offer universal Setapp apps and apps from over 30 developers, and it will be available only in the European Union.
