Apple and the European Commission are in a public dispute after MacPaw decided to shut down Setapp Mobile in the European Union. Setapp Mobile works as an alternative iOS app marketplace, which Apple must allow under the Digital Markets Act.
Apple says the EU blocked the changes it tried to make to its App Store rules. The EU says Apple failed to fix problems in its business terms. Now both sides point fingers as Setapp prepares to leave the region.
According to Bloomberg, the European Commission plans to blame Apple for Setapp’s shutdown. The commission believes Apple did not simplify its business terms even after months of talks. Apple strongly disagrees and says the EU caused the delay.
Setapp Is Shutting Down
MacPaw confirmed it will shut down Setapp Mobile in the EU on February 16, 2026. The company said the current rules make it hard to run the service.
MacPaw wrote:
“Setapp Mobile is scheduled to sunset on February 16, 2026, due to still-evolving and complex business terms that don’t fit Setapp’s current business model.”
The company did not share more details. Still, Apple’s fee system in Europe plays a major role. Apple charges fees to both app marketplaces and the apps inside them. These rules exist because the EU forced Apple to open iOS to other stores.
EU Plans to Say
According to Bloomberg, the European Commission plans to argue that Apple failed to solve key issues. The commission plans to say:
“Apple has not rolled out changes to address the key issues concerning its business terms, including their complexity.”
The EU believes Apple dragged its feet. It plans to use Setapp’s shutdown as proof that the system does not work as promised.
Apple Pushes Back
Apple says the EU blocked every attempt to fix the problem. The company shared this statement:
“The European Commission has refused to let us implement the very changes that they requested. In October, we submitted a formal compliance plan and they have yet to respond. 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.”
Apple argues that it cannot change its pricing or rules without approval. Since the EU has not approved anything, Apple says it should not take the blame.
Apple also said that demand for alternative app stores in Europe remains low. The company added that its actions did not cause Setapp to shut down.
What This Fight Is Really About
At the center of the fight sits the Digital Markets Act. The law forces Apple to allow third-party app stores in the EU. Apple built a system to follow the law, but many developers say it feels confusing and expensive.
Now the shutdown of Setapp has turned into a political flashpoint.
Here is where both sides stand:
Apple says
- The EU blocked its compliance plan.
- The EU refuses to approve new pricing terms.
- The EU now uses delay as a way to punish Apple.
- Setapp failed because there is little demand for alternative stores.
The European Commission says
- Apple did not fix its complex business rules.
- Apple still makes it hard for new marketplaces to survive.
- Setapp’s exit proves Apple failed to comply.
As February 2026 approaches, Setapp will disappear from the EU. The fight between Apple and Brussels shows no sign of slowing down. Both sides now prepare for another round of legal and political pressure.
