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Setapp

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Setapp
Developer(s)MacPaw Way Ltd.
Stable release
Setapp (v3.36.1) / 7 March 2024; 9 months ago (2024-03-07)
Operating systemOS X 11 or higher
PlatformmacOS, iOS, web
Available inEnglish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish
LicenseTrialware, Software as a service
Websitesetapp.com

Setapp is a subscription-based software catalog launched in 2016 by MacPaw that offers monthly access to a collection of macOS and iOS applications.[1] The service aims to provide software developers with an alternative method for macOS software distribution and monetization that does not rely on Apple’s App Store. Setapp additionally offers premium access to select iOS apps in its catalog. In 2024, Setapp released an official iOS marketplace app available to download in the European Union.

History

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Setapp launched in beta in November 2016,[2][3] and was officially released in January 2017.[4] In June 2017, Setapp reported having 10,000 subscribers[5] worldwide, mainly in the United States but with growing audiences in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.[6] By November of that year, there were more than 200,000 trial users testing the service.[7] In 2019, the app had 1 million users.[8]

In November 2019, Setapp launched Setapp for Teams, a service adjusted for teams' and organizations' use.[9] Setapp launched an iOS version in August 2020.[10] Notably, apps available through Setapp for iOS must be downloaded from the App Store but can be unlocked to access premium features without using Apple’s IAP system.

In July 2023, Setapp introduced an AI-tier plan which offers additional access to credits that can be used within select software available on Setapp.[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

Business model

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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.[14][15][16] [17] All users are charged a monthly fee that varies depending on region and the selected plan. Instead of paying for each standalone application, users can use all the apps in the collection for the duration of the subscription. [18]

The philosophy behind the initiative was to give users relevant, ready-to-use software that are designed for both generic and specialized tasks. Applications on Setapp are automatically updated and contain no in-app purchases[19] or advertisements.

Features

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Setapp provides features designed to optimize workflow[20] and increase productivity.[21] Its AI Search function uses a synonym dictionary, allowing users to find relevant tools.[20] The AI Assistant uses ChatGPT, Open AI, and Setapp's pre-trained model to deliver app search recommendations, tutorials, and Mac-related answers in a separate window. The platform simplifies app downloads and installations.[22] Since many Setapp apps require user accounts, the platform automatically logs users in and activates premium features.

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. This access will remain as long as the subscription is active. In the EU, Setapp has released a marketplace application that let’s users download these applications directly to their device instead of being directed to the App Store.[23]

Review process

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Setapp curates its app collection, focusing on user benefits and utility. It rejects apps with paid components, in-app purchases, advertising, incorrect device or app information, defamatory, offensive or pornographic content. All apps, including updates, undergo a review process for quality, functionality, and privacy. Apps requiring users to download other apps or violating privacy and data protection norms are also prohibited.[20]

Awards and recognition

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  • Finalist at the 21st annual Interactive Innovation Awards in the New Economy category[24]
  • Awarded "Consumer Product of the Year" by Product Hunt at the 2017 Golden Kitty Awards[25]
  • Named by Fast Company as one of the top 10 most innovative companies in Europe in 2019[26]
  • Awarded "Best SaaS Product for Productivity" by SaaS Awards in 2019[27]
  • Awarded Bronze Cannes Lions in the video advertising category for ‘Snake,’ created together with the Droga5 agency in 2021.[28]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "New Subscription Service 'Setapp' Will Offer 40+ Popular Mac Apps for $9.99 Per Month". MacRumors. 2016-11-17. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  2. ^ TNW: Mattew Hughes (6 November 2016). "Setapp wants to be the Netflix of MacOS applications".
  3. ^ Chris O'Brien (11 November 2016). "MacPaw wants to reinvent the Mac App Store experience with a subscription service called Setapp".
  4. ^ Thorin Klosowski (25 January 2017). "Setapp, the Mac App Subscription Service, Is Now Live for Everyone".
  5. ^ "Setapp At 5 Months: 10,000 Users and Better App Discovery". TidBITS. 2017-06-29. Retrieved 2021-06-06.
  6. ^ Stepanenko, Yaroslav (2017-07-17). "Ultimate Guide to Product Localization". Medium. Retrieved 2021-06-06.
  7. ^ Zac Hall (7 November 2017). "Setapp by the numbers: here's how the 'Netflix of apps' is doing so far".
  8. ^ Tim Hardwick (5 November 2019). "MacPaw Launches 'Setapp for Teams' Subscription App Store - MacRumors".
  9. ^ William Gallagher (4 November 2019). "MacPaw launches Setapp for Teams software subscription service public beta".
  10. ^ Tim Hardwick (11 August 2020). "Setapp Mac App Subscription Service Expands to iOS".
  11. ^ "Setapp introduces a ChatGPT assistant & other AI tools". AppleInsider. 2023-07-13. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  12. ^ Perez, Sarah (2023-08-15). "Setapp announces plans to launch an alt app store for EU users". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  13. ^ AppleWorld.Today: Dennis Sellers (25 January 2017). "Setapp, a Mac app subscription service, launches".
  14. ^ Jeff Gamet (7 December 2016). "Setapp Brings Netflix-style Downloads to Mac Apps - The Mac Observer".
  15. ^ Mike Wuerthele (27 January 2017). "Hands On: New Setapp service brings subscription apps to the Mac".
  16. ^ Henry T. Casey (7 December 2016). "Software for Rent: Meet Setapp, a Netflix for Mac Apps".
  17. ^ Bob Levitus (3 July 2020). "Setapp, the Netflix of Mac apps, just keeps getting better".
  18. ^ Erik Eckel (13 March 2017). "Setapp: Mac users' software purchases just got much easier - TechRepublic".
  19. ^ Bryan M. Wolfe (4 November 2019). "Setapp for Teams: now everyone at work can share the best Mac apps".
  20. ^ a b c "Review: Setapp is the perfect Mac App Store I've always wanted". superchargednews.com. 2023-08-03. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  21. ^ Arshmeet (2021-07-13). "Setapp review: A platter of assorted apps for Mac". iGeeksBlog. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  22. ^ Eckel, Erik (2022-01-19). "Setapp's Mac software service confirms app subscriptions are here to stay". TechRepublic. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  23. ^ Booth, Callum (2024-05-14). "Setapp Mobile is a completely new take on the iPhone's app store". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  24. ^ "Interactive Innovation Awards - SXSW Conference & Festivals". SXSW. Archived from the original on 2018-03-28. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  25. ^ "Golden Kitty Awards Winners". Product Hunt. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  26. ^ "The World's most innovative companies".
  27. ^ "Best SaaS Product for Productivity (non-US)". The Cloud Awards & SaaS Awards. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  28. ^ "MAA blasts from the past: funny Cannes Lions winners - More About Advertising". www.moreaboutadvertising.com. 2021-07-01. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
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