Apple to Allow Sideloading in EU with Launch of iOS 17.4; Setapp to Become Alternative App Store
Apple has announced that with the launch of iOS 17.4, sideloading will be officially permitted in the European Union. This move will allow local iPhone users to download and use third-party applications that are not available on the Apple App Store, in compliance with the EU Digital Services Act DMA regulations. MacPaw, the company behind Setapp, has announced that Setapp will serve as the alternative App Store for iPhones in the EU starting from April.
Setapp, a popular application service on Mac computers, operates on a subscription system. For a monthly fee of US$9.99, users gain access to a wide range of selected apps on Setapp, including popular ones like Ulysses, iStat Menus, and Spark Mail. With the launch of iOS 17.4, Setapp will transition into a third-party App Store for EU iPhones, allowing direct usage on these devices.
The Setapp Mobile beta version will feature 5 app categories, offering a variety of productivity, creative, lifestyle, and professional tools. Subscribers on Mac can already access iOS apps through a QR Code, promising a seamless experience once Setapp becomes the go-to App Store for EU iPhones.
Interested users can already sign up to join the waiting list for Setapp on their official website. As the launch of iOS 17.4 approaches, many are eager to see how Setapp will change the app landscape for iPhone users in the European Union.
Source: MacRumors