TL;DR
MacPaw’s Setapp Mobile will close its iPhone app store on February 16, 2026, blaming Apple’s commercial terms for making the service unworkable. The subscription offered access to over 50 paid iPhone apps; Setapp for Mac is not affected.
What happened
Setapp Mobile, a third-party iPhone app store created after EU antitrust rules required Apple to permit alternative stores in the bloc, is winding down operations. The store — which began a limited beta in spring 2024 and launched publicly in September 2024 — provided one monthly subscription giving access to paid versions of more than 50 iPhone apps without in-app purchases or advertisements. Setapp’s landing page now redirects to a support announcement stating the iOS store will be discontinued on February 16, 2026. The company attributes the shutdown to Apple’s still-evolving and complex business terms, which it says do not align with Setapp’s current business model. The notice warns that some subscribers may need to take out individual subscriptions to certain apps in order to retain access to data. The company’s Mac-focused Setapp service remains unaffected.
Why it matters
- Demonstrates practical friction between EU-mandated third-party app stores and platform-imposed commercial terms.
- Could increase costs and friction for users who relied on a single bundled subscription to access multiple paid apps.
- Highlights a potential obstacle for alternative app-store business models and bundled subscription services on iOS.
- May prompt scrutiny from regulators or influence developer and consumer trust in non-Apple iOS storefronts.
Key facts
- EU antitrust legislation required Apple to allow third-party app stores for iPhone within the bloc.
- Setapp Mobile launched a limited beta in spring 2024 and opened to the public in September 2024.
- The service offered access to paid versions of more than 50 iPhone apps under a single monthly subscription, with no in-app purchases or ads.
- Setapp Mobile’s landing page now redirects to a support announcement about the shutdown.
- The iOS store is scheduled to be discontinued on February 16, 2026.
- MacPaw states the closure is due to Apple’s still-evolving and complex business terms not fitting Setapp’s business model.
- The shutdown may force some subscribers to obtain individual app subscriptions to keep accessing their data.
- Setapp for Mac is not impacted by this decision.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple will revise its business terms or offer clarifications relevant to third-party stores (not confirmed in the source).
- How developers whose apps were included in Setapp Mobile respond to the closure and any changes in distribution or pricing (not confirmed in the source).
- Whether other third-party iOS stores encounter similar commercial conflicts and consider leaving the market (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Third-party app store: An alternative marketplace that distributes mobile apps independently of a device maker’s official app store.
- In-app purchase (IAP): A payment made inside an app to unlock content, features, or subscriptions after the app has been downloaded.
- Antitrust legislation: Laws designed to promote competition and prevent dominant firms from unfairly restricting markets or harming consumers.
- Sunset notice: An announcement that a product or service will be discontinued on a specified future date.
Reader FAQ
Why is Setapp Mobile closing?
According to the company announcement, Setapp Mobile is shutting down because Apple’s evolving and complex business terms do not fit Setapp’s business model.
When will the iOS store stop operating?
Setapp Mobile is scheduled to sunset on February 16, 2026.
Will Setapp for Mac be affected?
Setapp for Mac is unaffected, according to the announcement.
Will users lose access to their app data?
The company says some subscribers may need to subscribe individually to apps to retain access to stored data; further details are not confirmed in the source.
Apple Notes could get a powerful new advantage in iOS 26.4, per report Ryan Christoffel Jan 14 2026 APPS ANTITRUST SETAPP Setapp Mobile 3rd-party app store for iPhone fails, blames…
Sources
- Setapp Mobile 3rd-party app store for iPhone fails, blames Apple
- MacPaw Pulls Plug on Setapp Mobile iOS Store, Blames …
- Install Setapp Mobile
- Can not install an app outside app store
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