Setapp Mobile, a prominent alternative app marketplace launched in the EU under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), is officially shutting down. Developer MacPaw confirmed that the platform will cease operations on February 16, 2026, citing an unsustainable business model driven by Apple’s complex fee structures.
The Impact of Complex EU Regulations
Launched in September 2024, Setapp Mobile provided EU-based users with access to a curated library of productivity, finance, and creative applications for a $9.99 monthly subscription. While the mobile marketplace is closing, MacPaw confirmed that Setapp’s desktop services remain unaffected.
The decision to sunset the project stems from what the company describes as “still-evolving and complex business terms” imposed by Apple. Specifically, the Core Technology Fee—which charges developers €0.50 for each first annual install exceeding one million—has created a financial environment that MacPaw deems non-viable for its current subscription model.
Why Alternative App Stores Are Struggling
Although Apple revised its fee structure last year to address DMA compliance concerns, critics argue that these adjustments increased complexity rather than reducing barriers to entry. For developers, the lack of predictable, transparent commercial conditions makes it nearly impossible to scale or monetize alternative marketplaces effectively.
In an official statement regarding the closure, MacPaw emphasized the challenges of the current regulatory landscape:
“As a result of still-evolving commercial conditions, we have determined that it is not viable to continue development or support for Setapp Mobile within Setapp’s current business model.”
The Future of the EU App Ecosystem
The news of the shutdown, first reported by MacRumors and detailed on Setapp’s support site, highlights the ongoing friction between third-party developers and platform gatekeepers. Despite this setback, other alternative marketplaces continue to operate within the European Union, most notably the Epic Games Store and the open-source AltStore.