Setapp Mobile, the innovative alternative app store for iPhones, is now available in open beta for users across the European Union. Developed by MacPaw, the platform offers a curated collection of 50+ productivity and lifestyle apps, giving users a fresh way to access their favorite tools. This release follows the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which opened the door for third-party app marketplaces on iOS devices.
Notable apps in Setapp Mobile’s lineup include popular options like Tripsy, MindNode, CleanMyPhone, Riveo, and MacPaw. While some apps can also be downloaded via the Apple App Store, Setapp provides a smoother experience with a subscription-based model. For €9.49 per month, users can access all available apps on their iPhones and Mac devices, with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers.
MacPaw first launched Setapp as a marketplace for macOS before expanding to iOS. Since May, Setapp Mobile has been in closed beta, but EU users with iOS 17.4 or later can now sign up for the open beta and explore its app offerings. The move comes as Apple loosens restrictions on third-party app stores in response to regulatory pressure.
While the Verge reported initial hiccups with the platform’s installation process, MacPaw aims to streamline the experience with user feedback. As alternative app stores continue to gain traction in the EU, Setapp Mobile is positioning itself as a key player in reshaping how iPhone users discover and download apps.
With more third-party app platforms like Aptoide and AltStore emerging, competition for iOS app distribution is heating up—offering users more choices than ever.
