iPhone open only on paper: First app marketplace in EU closes
Instead of more, there are fewer: With Setapp Mobile, a first alternative app marketplace is closing its doors. This is inconvenient for users.
(Image: heise medien)
The opening of the iPhone, forced by the EU, remains a paper tiger. After almost two years, only a handful of app store alternatives have dared to enter the market, and one of the most important providers so far is now throwing in the towel: On February 16, Setapp Mobile will close its doors, as the development studio MacPaw announced in a letter to users on Wednesday. All apps will then be removed from the platform. Users should back up their data from the apps beforehand, as they will no longer be accessible from the specified date, warns MacPaw.
Provider refers to Apple's terms and conditions
Apple's “constantly evolving and complex terms and conditions” currently make it unprofitable to continue operating the service, the operator explains. It was a “bold, groundbreaking project” with the goal of “creating a new app ecosystem” that would benefit both developers and users.
Setapp is a well-known app marketplace for macOS, where all offered apps are available at a fixed subscription price – including iOS apps for a long time. This will continue to operate unchanged. Setapp Mobile was also part of the Setapp subscription, allowing subscribers to use all the iOS programs offered there. The offering included only a manageable 50 apps and had been static for months.
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While Apple has practically implemented the sideloading required by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU in iOS (and later also iPadOS), it has simultaneously erected high hurdles for providers: Direct downloads of iPhone apps from the web are possible, but so far practically non-existent. Furthermore, alternative app distribution has repeatedly proven to be error-prone. There are annoying restrictions, for example, regarding updates, if users leave the EU member states for an extended period.
Apple's Core Technology Fee gives way to Core Technology Commission
Alternative app marketplaces also have to meet high requirements and pay the so-called “Core Technology Fee” (CTF) to Apple. For every new download (including app updates) within a 12-month period, Apple charged 50 cents. At the beginning of 2026, Apple will switch to a new model: the CTF will be replaced by the “Core Technology Commission.” Instead of charging per installation, Apple will now charge a 5 percent commission on the sale of digital content – plus additional commissions depending on the distribution method. Specific details are still pending.
(lbe)
