Setapp

{{short description|Subscription-based service for macOS and iOS applications}}

{{Infobox software

| name = Setapp

| logo =

| logo alt =

| logo caption =

| screenshot =

| screenshot alt =

| caption = Setapp dashboard running on OS X 10.11

| developer = MacPaw Way Ltd.

| latest release version = Setapp (v3.36.1)

| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2024|3|07|df=yes}}

| operating system = OS X 11 or higher

| platform = macOS, iOS, web

| language = English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish

| license = Trialware, Software as a service

| website = {{URL|https://setapp.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.{{Cite web |date=2016-11-17 |title=New Subscription Service 'Setapp' Will Offer 40+ Popular Mac Apps for $9.99 Per Month |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/17/setapp-subscription-service-for-mac-apps/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=MacRumors |language=en}} 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

Setapp launched in beta in November 2016,{{cite web |title=Setapp wants to be the Netflix of MacOS applications|author=TNW: Mattew Hughes |url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2016/11/06/setapp-wants-netflix-macos-applications/#.tnw_8DNCjVu9|date=6 November 2016}}{{cite web |title=MacPaw wants to reinvent the Mac App Store experience with a subscription service called Setapp|author=Chris O'Brien |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/11/11/macpaw-wants-to-reinvent-the-mac-app-store-experience-with-a-subscription-service-called-setapp/|date=11 November 2016}} and was officially released in January 2017.{{cite web |title=Setapp, the Mac App Subscription Service, Is Now Live for Everyone|author=Thorin Klosowski|url=http://lifehacker.com/setapp-the-mac-app-subscription-service-is-now-live-f-1791614650|date=25 January 2017}} In June 2017, Setapp reported having 10,000 subscribers{{Cite web|date=2017-06-29|title=Setapp At 5 Months: 10,000 Users and Better App Discovery|url=https://tidbits.com/2017/06/29/setapp-at-5-months-10000-users-and-better-app-discovery/|access-date=2021-06-06|website=TidBITS|language=en}} worldwide, mainly in the United States but with growing audiences in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.{{Cite web|last=Stepanenko|first=Yaroslav|date=2017-07-17|title=Ultimate Guide to Product Localization|url=https://yaroslavstepanenko.medium.com/ultimate-guide-to-product-localization-875a60a536ce|access-date=2021-06-06|website=Medium|language=en}} By November of that year, there were more than 200,000 trial users testing the service.{{cite web |title= Setapp by the numbers: here's how the 'Netflix of apps' is doing so far|author=Zac Hall|work=9to5Mac |url=https://9to5mac.com/2017/11/07/setapp-first-year-numbers/|date=7 November 2017}} In 2019, the app had 1 million users.{{cite web |author=Tim Hardwick |date=5 November 2019 |title=MacPaw Launches 'Setapp for Teams' Subscription App Store - MacRumors |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2019/11/05/macpaw-launches-setapp-for-teams/}}

In November 2019, Setapp launched Setapp for Teams, a service adjusted for teams' and organizations' use.{{cite web |title=MacPaw launches Setapp for Teams software subscription service public beta|author=William Gallagher|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/19/11/04/macpaw-launches-setapp-for-teams-software-subscription-service-public-beta|date=4 November 2019}} Setapp launched an iOS version in August 2020.{{cite web |author=Tim Hardwick |date=11 August 2020 |title=Setapp Mac App Subscription Service Expands to iOS |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/08/11/setapp-mac-app-subscription-service-expands-to-ios/}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-13 |title=Setapp introduces a ChatGPT assistant & other AI tools |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/07/13/setapp-introduces-a-chatgpt-assistant-other-ai-tools-into-its-service |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=AppleInsider |language=en}}

In August 2023, in response to the Digital Markets Act regulation, Setapp announced its plans to launch an alternative app store for EU users.{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=2023-08-15 |title=Setapp announces plans to launch an alt app store for EU users |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/15/setapp-announces-plans-to-launch-an-alt-app-store-for-eu-users/ |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}} 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

Setapp is based on a subscription revenue sharing model{{cite web |title=Setapp, a Mac app subscription service, launches|author=AppleWorld.Today: Dennis Sellers |url=https://www.appleworld.today/blog/2017/1/25/setapp-a-mac-app-subscription-service-launches|date=25 January 2017}} that distributes money to developers based on user activity akin to streaming services like Spotify and Netflix.{{cite web |title=Setapp Brings Netflix-style Downloads to Mac Apps - The Mac Observer|author=Jeff Gamet|url=https://www.macobserver.com/news/product-news/setapp-brings-netflix-style-downloads-to-mac-apps/|date=7 December 2016}}{{cite web |title=Hands On: New Setapp service brings subscription apps to the Mac|author=Mike Wuerthele|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/01/27/hands-on-new-setapp-service-brings-subscription-apps-to-the-mac|date=27 January 2017}}{{cite web |title=Software for Rent: Meet Setapp, a Netflix for Mac Apps|author=Henry T. Casey|url=https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/setapp-mac-app-store|date=7 December 2016}} {{cite web |title=Setapp, the Netflix of Mac apps, just keeps getting better|author=Bob Levitus|work=Houston Chronicle |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/drmac/article/Setapp-the-Netflix-of-Mac-apps-just-keeps-15379997.php|date=3 July 2020}} 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. {{cite web |title=Setapp: Mac users' software purchases just got much easier - TechRepublic|author=Erik Eckel|url=http://www.techrepublic.com/article/setapp-mac-users-software-purchases-just-got-much-easier/|date=13 March 2017}}

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{{cite web |url=https://www.imore.com/setapp-teams-now-everyone-can-share-best-mac-apps|title=Setapp for Teams: now everyone at work can share the best Mac apps|author=Bryan M. Wolfe |date=4 November 2019}} or advertisements.

Features

Setapp provides features designed to optimize workflow{{Cite web |date=2023-08-03 |title=Review: Setapp is the perfect Mac App Store I've always wanted |url=https://superchargednews.com/2023/08/03/review-setapp-mac-app-store/ |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=superchargednews.com |language=en-US}} and increase productivity.{{Cite web |last=Arshmeet |date=2021-07-13 |title=Setapp review: A platter of assorted apps for Mac |url=https://www.igeeksblog.com/setapp-mac-app-subscription-service-review/ |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=iGeeksBlog |language=en-US}} Its AI Search function uses a synonym dictionary, allowing users to find relevant tools. 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.{{Cite web |last=Eckel |first=Erik |date=2022-01-19 |title=Setapp's Mac software service confirms app subscriptions are here to stay |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/setapps-mac-software-service-confirms-app-subscriptions-are-here-to-stay/ |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=TechRepublic |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Booth |first=Callum |date=2024-05-14 |title=Setapp Mobile is a completely new take on the iPhone's app store |url=https://www.theverge.com/24155259/setapp-mobile-eu-subscription-app-store-preview |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=The Verge |language=en}}

Review process

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.

Awards and recognition

Finalist at the 21st annual Interactive Innovation Awards in the New Economy category{{cite web|title=Interactive Innovation Awards - SXSW Conference & Festivals|url=https://www.sxsw.com/awards/interactive-innovation-awards/|url-status=live|publisher=SXSW|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328170632/https://www.sxsw.com/awards/interactive-innovation-awards/|access-date=13 March 2018|archive-date=2018-03-28}}
Awarded "Consumer Product of the Year" by Product Hunt at the 2017 Golden Kitty Awards{{cite web|url=https://blog.producthunt.com/golden-kitty-awards-winners-7c2628e5f429/|title=Golden Kitty Awards Winners|publisher=Product Hunt|access-date=29 January 2018}}
Named by Fast Company as one of the top 10 most innovative companies in Europe in 2019{{Cite web |title=The World's most innovative companies |work=Fast Company |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2019/sectors/europe}}
Awarded "Best SaaS Product for Productivity" by SaaS Awards in 2019{{cite web |title=Best SaaS Product for Productivity (non-US) |date=30 July 2019 |url=https://www.cloud-awards.com/2019-saas-shortlist/ |access-date=23 October 2019 |publisher=The Cloud Awards & SaaS Awards}}
Awarded Bronze Cannes Lions in the video advertising category for ‘Snake,’ created together with the Droga5 agency in 2021.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-01 |title=MAA blasts from the past: funny Cannes Lions winners - More About Advertising |url=https://www.moreaboutadvertising.com/2021/07/maa-blasts-from-the-past-funny-cannes-lions-winners/ |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=www.moreaboutadvertising.com |language=en-US}}