One of the first alternative app stores in the EU is shutting down

The European tech landscape is facing a shake-up as Setapp Mobile, a notable alternative app store, announces its impending closure. Launched in September 2024 by Ukrainian developer MacPaw, the platform provided users with a subscription-based model, granting access to a wide array of applications spanning various categories such as productivity, finance, and creativity. Setapp Mobile offered a compelling deal at $9.99 per month for subscribers whose Apple IDs were linked to EU member states. However, in a recent update, the company revealed that all apps will be removed from the store by February 16, 2026. Fortunately, applications available on Setapp Desktop will remain unaffected. The announcement, first reported by MacRumors, highlights the challenges posed by Apple’s evolving business terms in the region. MacPaw cited these “still-evolving and complex business terms” as a critical factor in their decision to shut down the platform. Among these complicated terms is the controversial Core Technology Fee, which charges developers €0.50 for each first annual install exceeding one million in the past year. Despite Apple's attempts to revise its fee structure to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), developers have found the environment increasingly challenging, making it difficult to strategize for growth and monetization. In a statement, Setapp expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing that its innovative project aimed to create a thriving ecosystem for EU iOS users and developers. While Setapp Mobile is set to close, other alternative app stores like the Epic Games Store and the open-source AltStore continue to operate within the EU, suggesting that the quest for a viable alternative app marketplace is far from over.