Apple is pushing back against the European Commission, accusing regulators of employing “political delay tactics” to hinder the company’s efforts to comply and subjecting it to potential fines.
The tension arises as Ukrainian developer MacPaw announces the closure of its alternative iPhone app marketplace, Setapp Mobile, in the European Union, citing “evolving and complex business terms” that have made it financially unsustainable.
In anticipation of a possible action by the European Commission, Apple has issued a statement to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, suggesting that the situation is more intricate than implied by MacPaw’s announcement.
The European Commission has hindered our implementation of the requested changes. We submitted a compliance plan in October, but have yet to receive a response. The EC is employing political tactics to mislead the public and unfairly target an American company with investigations and fines.
Apple statement to Bloomberg
MacPaw has decided to close Setapp Mobile in the EU on February 16, 2026, due to Apple’s complex fee structure in Europe for third-party app marketplaces and their distributed apps. Apple was compelled to allow alternative app stores in the EU in early 2024 following the enactment of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Bloomberg reports that the European Commission intends to attribute MacPaw’s closure of the EU Setapp marketplace to Apple’s failure to address the complexities of its business terms. However, Apple claims that the EC’s reluctance to approve necessary changes has hindered its efforts to simplify terms.
Apple suggests that MacPaw’s decision to shut down its Setapp marketplace is primarily due to a lack of demand for alternative app stores in the European market. Apple points out the minimal impact of third-party stores on Android despite their existence for years. Additionally, a study sponsored by Apple last year indicated that the DMA did not lead to lower app prices.
Alternative app stores are relatively new for EU users following the DMA, with five such stores currently operating in the region, including the Epic Games Store and AltStore PAL.
These stores face challenges, including Apple’s Core Technology Fee (CTF) for apps not available on the official App Store. Initially, developers were required to pay 0.50 Euros per install after the one millionth install in a calendar year, but Apple revised this to a flat 5% fee on digital goods and services sales. The transition has been implemented in Japan but delayed in the EU.
The Future of SetApp for iOS
EU users who accessed iOS apps through Setapp’s subscription store are advised that these apps will be removed after the February 16 shutdown. Users should back up any essential data before the termination as the apps will no longer be accessible.
Setapp’s separate subscription-based Mac app store will continue to operate normally for Mac users. Setapp also offers a subscription-based Mac app marketplace in the US, where Apple’s regulations for Mac apps are less stringent than those for iPhone and iPad apps.
