Apple Blames European Commission for Alternative App Store Collapse
Apple has escalated its conflict with European regulators, accusing the European Commission of employing “political delay tactics” to stall app store policy changes. The accusation came after MacPaw announced it would shut down Setapp Mobile, one of the EU’s most prominent alternative app marketplaces, citing overly complex business terms that make operations economically unviable.
The Setapp Mobile Shutdown
MacPaw plans to sunset Setapp Mobile in the EU on February 16, 2026, citing “complex business terms that don’t fit Setapp’s current business model.” Setapp had been positioned as a flagship example of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) in action—demonstrating that Apple could support alternative app distribution channels on iOS. Its failure has reignited debate over whether the company’s framework genuinely enables competition or merely creates the appearance of openness.
Apple’s Defense Strategy
In response, Apple provided a preemptive statement claiming that the European Commission has refused to approve the very changes it requested. The company says it submitted a formal compliance plan in October 2024 but has yet to receive feedback. Apple argues this regulatory gridlock—not its policies—bears responsibility for Setapp’s collapse.
“The European Commission has refused to let us implement the very changes that they requested,” Apple stated to Bloomberg. “The EC is using political delay tactics to mislead the public, move the goal posts, and unfairly target an American company with burdensome investigations and onerous fines.”
The Fee Structure Problem
The core dispute centers on Apple’s fee model for alternative app stores. In April 2025, the European Commission imposed a €500 million fine on Apple for non-compliance with DMA requirements, particularly regarding anti-steering rules that prohibited developers from directing users to cheaper external payment options.
In response, Apple introduced a two-tier fee structure: a lower 5% Core Technology Commission (CTC) for apps using mandatory store services, with higher fees for additional services. However, critics contend this remains economically unworkable. The European Commission has criticized the structure for maintaining high barriers to entry and excessive complexity.
The EU’s Likely Response
European authorities maintain that Apple’s revisions do not fully meet the spirit of the DMA and that more openness is needed. Brussels is expected to attribute Setapp’s failure to Apple’s own actions and fee structures rather than regulatory delays, further escalating tensions between Silicon Valley and European policymakers.
Implications for Developers and Users
The outcome will shape how apps are downloaded, how in-app payments work, and whether iPhone owners in Europe get access to more app store choices. For now, alternative app stores on iOS continue to operate under difficult economic conditions, leaving the DMA’s long-term effectiveness uncertain.