Setapp Mobile, one of the alternative app stores that emerged under the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), will end service on Feb. 16.
The platform, introduced by Ukrainian developer MacPaw in September 2024, promoted a model offering EU users various apps for $9.99 a month. But TechCrunch reported it struggled due to Apple’s complex fee structure.
In particular, the Core Technology Fee was a burden. The Core Technology Fee charges developers 0.5 euros per install if annual first installs exceed 1 million over the past 12 months.
MacPaw said, "It is not sustainable under the current business model." Epic Games' app store and the open-source platform AltStore continue to operate in the EU.
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Chi-gyu Hwang
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