Setapp is a subscription-based software catalog launched in 2016 by MacPaw that offers monthly access to a collection of macOS and iOS applications.
[11] In August 2023, in response to the Digital Markets Act regulation, Setapp announced its plans to launch an alternative app store for EU users.
[12] On 14 May 2024, Setapp released an official narketplace app for iOS that allows users to download iOS applications from the catalog without using the App Store as an intermediary Setapp is based on a subscription revenue sharing model[13] that distributes money to developers based on user activity akin to streaming services like Spotify and Netflix.
[18] The philosophy behind the initiative was to give users relevant, ready-to-use software that are designed for both generic and specialized tasks.
On plans that include iOS device access, Setapp directs users to install the requested application from the App Store.
After installing the application, the user can scan a QR code or access a link that will unlock premium features for the app.