Setapp Mobile's Third-Party App Store for iPhone Encounters Difficulties, Blames Apple for Problems

Setapp Mobile’s Third-Party App Store for iPhone Encounters Difficulties, Blames Apple for Problems

2 Min Read


**Setapp Mobile to Discontinue in Light of Apple’s Antitrust Adjustments**

The antitrust regulations set forth by the European Union have had a profound effect on the app marketplace, especially for Apple users. One prominent change required Apple to allow third-party app stores on iPhones in the EU. MacPaw’s Setapp Mobile was quick to take advantage of this new opening. Nevertheless, the company has now revealed its plans to shut down its iOS store, attributing this decision primarily to Apple’s rigid business conditions.

Setapp Mobile’s homepage now redirects visitors to an announcement on its support site, indicating that the service is set to end on **February 16, 2026**. The company noted that the shifting and complicated nature of Apple’s business policies does not fit with Setapp’s current operational model, leading to this tough decision.

The termination of Setapp Mobile may require subscribers to move to separate subscriptions for the various applications they have been using through the service. This transition could result in increased expenses for users who previously accessed over 50 paid iPhone apps with one monthly subscription, free from in-app purchases and ads.

Setapp Mobile first emerged as a limited beta in the spring of 2024, followed by a complete public release in September of that year. Despite this challenge for its mobile platform, it’s worth noting that Setapp for Mac remains unaffected by these changes, continuing to offer users a range of applications.

As the app distribution landscape evolves, the consequences of such shifts will be closely observed by both consumers and developers.

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