Setapp is a subscription-based service for macOS, iOS and web applications released in 2016 by MacPaw. It provides access to a growing collection of software from different developers for a fixed monthly fee.[1] App categories cover productivity, web development, Mac maintenance, photo and video editig, design, writing, education, personal finance and others. There are over 240 apps[2] in the Setapp subscription,[3] including CleanMyMac X, Spark, Ulysses, and MarsEdit.[4] Setapp conducts annual Mac Developer Survey and Mac Apps Report.[5]
Developer(s) | Setapp Ltd. |
---|---|
Stable release | Setapp (v3.36.1) / 7 March 2024; 4 months ago (2024-03-07) |
Operating system | OS X 11 or higher |
Platform | macOS, iOS, web |
Available in | English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish |
License | Trialware, Software as a service |
Website | setapp |
Setapp launched in beta in November 2016,[6][7] and was officially released in January 2017.[8] In June 2017, Setapp reported having 10,000 subscribers[9] worldwide, mainly in the United States but with growing audiences in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.[10] By November of that year, there were more than 200,000 trial users testing the service.[11] In 2019, the app had 1 million users.[12]
In November 2019, Setapp launched Setapp for Teams, a service adjusted for teams' and organizations' use.[13] Setapp launched an iOS version in August 2020.[3] In July 2023, Setapp introduced a ChatGPT assistant and other AI tools.[14]
In August 2023, in response to the Digital Markets Act regulation, Setapp announced its plans to launch an alternative app store for EU users.[15]
Setapp introduced a subscription model[16] for software usage akin to streaming services like Spotify and Netflix.[17][18][19] [20] Instead of paying a single price for a standalone application, users can use all the apps in the collection for a single monthly fee.[21]
The philosophy behind the initiative was to give users preselected, ready-to-use software that covers both generic and job-specific tasks. Applications on Setapp are automatically updated and contain no in-app purchases[22] or advertisements.
The main part of the revenue generated by Setapp is divided between app developers[23] based on app usage.[4]
Setapp provides features designed to optimize workflow[24] and increase productivity.[25] Its AI Search function uses a synonym dictionary, allowing users to find relevant tools.[24] 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.[26] Since many Setapp apps require user accounts, the platform automatically logs users in and activates premium features.
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.[24]
iOS apps requirements: