Apple and the European Commission (EC) are pointing fingers after MacPaw announced it would shut down its Setapp alternative app store in the European Union. The closure marks a major setback for the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aimed to increase competition by forcing Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS.
Setapp launched as one of three notable alternatives alongside Epic Games’ store and AltStore. However, despite the regulatory push, adoption remained limited. MacPaw cited mounting challenges that made long-term operation unviable.
Apple Pushes Back Against EU Criticism
Ahead of an expected EC statement, Apple released its own response. The company accused EU regulators of using “political delay tactics” and failing to respond to a compliance plan Apple submitted in October. According to Apple, those delays blocked changes regulators themselves requested, ultimately contributing to Setapp’s collapse.
Apple also rejected claims that its business terms intentionally undermine alternative app stores. Instead, it argued that ongoing regulatory uncertainty created an unstable environment for developers like MacPaw.
Developers and Regulators See It Differently
On the other hand, developer groups and competitors argue that Apple’s rules are too complex and costly. They claim Apple structured the system so the official App Store remains the only realistic option. Groups such as the Coalition for App Fairness, which includes Spotify and Epic Games, raised these concerns publicly in late 2025.
Regulators in the EU, US, and UK generally agree Apple deserves compensation for platform access. However, disputes continue over how much Apple should charge and when those fees apply.
The Bigger Issue: User Demand
Even if Apple simplified its rules, experts say user demand remains a major hurdle. Android has allowed third-party app stores for years, yet most users still default to Google Play. That pattern suggests regulation alone may not change consumer behavior.
What Comes Next?
For now, the blame game highlights deeper tensions between regulation and platform control. Apple maintains it can design a fairer system while protecting security and revenue. Meanwhile, regulators want clearer proof that competition can truly thrive.
As a result, this dispute is far from over. Observers expect years of legal and regulatory battles unless Apple and regulators find common ground soon.
