The arrival of iOS 17.4 is already approaching and There are many who are starting to take positions, as we see today with Setapp Mobile. I mean, of course, that with this version of the iPhone operating system (and of course the following ones), it will already be possible to access other app stores from the operating system, and third-party payment platforms can also be used, if they are implemented by the application developers. All this only in the common European area, of course as a result of the RSV application.

As expected, the first moves in this regard have already begun to take place, with companies expressing their intention to create their own stores for the operating system, despite the extensive list of restrictions imposed by Apple, which has effectively put many developers and service providers on a war footing, who have actually already begun to lobby in the European Union for regulatory authorities to act accordingly. And given that their actions with iOS 17.4 are indeed under their scrutiny, as we saw recently in the wake of the PWA issue, it seems likely that the Commission will take their complaints into consideration.

Be that as it may, and we’re still trying to fight these restrictions, we’ve already heard of plans from the likes of Epic Games to launch their own stores, albeit without a specific date at this point (just a vague “this year”). Without concrete data from other initiatives in this regard Today we could witness the announcement of the first store that will come to the iPhone operating systemthough you’ll see I put it in quotes in the title and I’ll explain why later.

Just a few hours ago and very close to an OS update MacPaw has announced that its Setapp Mobile store is coming to iPhones in April in beta. Initial access will be limited, yes, which is why the company has opened a waiting list that interested parties can sign up for now, as you can see on its website. However, they did not announce a specific date or the number of users who will initially have access to it.

And why the quotes? Well, to something that some macOS users have already deduced, where MacPaw already offers a desktop OS version of Setapp, and that is Setapp Mobile focuses on a subscription model, that is, it provides access to all the applications included in the service for a monthly fee. Therefore, the applications contained in it will not be available for purchase, and the big question is whether they will be exclusive to Setapp Mobile or, on the contrary, we will also find them in other stores.

They haven’t said what the subscription price will be at this point either.. To try to figure this out, we could start with the price of the service for macOS, which is $9.99. However, let’s recall that Apple has set particularly onerous conditions for those who want to “enter” iOS, so it is possible that MacPaw will opt for a more expensive subscription to this platform.

We don’t know what apps will be coming to Setapp Mobile, but MacPaw has confirmed the categories of software we’ll find there, and as expected, games aren’t included. They are these and the company defines them as follows:

• Business and Productivity Tools: Increase your efficiency with tools for schedule management, tracking, internet customization and much more.
• Creative and design software: Unleash your creative potential with intuitive tools designed for photo animation, document creation and more.
• Lifestyle and Productivity: Improve your daily routines with apps that help you create better habits, stay on top of the latest news, and manage your notes and ideas efficiently.
• Service applications: Make everyday tasks easier with apps that let you effortlessly share files, control your expenses, and streamline the process of organizing your ideas.
• Specialized professional tools: Communicate with advanced applications designed for detailed document searches, comprehensive database management, and more.