Apple is once again under pressure in Europe. The company is leveling serious accusations against the European Commission, alleging deliberate political delaying tactics in connection with changes to the App Store. The trigger is the planned shutdown of the alternative iOS app marketplace SetApp Mobile in the EU. This development demonstrates the strained relationship that has developed between Apple, European regulatory authorities, and app developers.
Since the Digital Markets Act came into force, Apple has been under particular scrutiny in Europe. The aim of the new rules is to create more competition in the digital market and to impose stricter requirements on large platform operators. Apple has emphasized for months its intention to comply with the requirements, but feels hampered by the European Commission's actions. The current dispute surrounding Setapp Mobile illustrates this conflict.
Apple sharply criticizes the European Commission
Apple accuses the European Commission of deliberately blocking changes to the App Store. According to the company, Apple submitted an official plan in October to implement the requested changes. However, it has received no response to date.
Instead of working constructively toward a solution, the commission is resorting to political delaying tactics, according to Apple. These tactics are designed to influence public perception, postpone targets, and burden Apple, as an American company, with lengthy investigations and hefty fines. Apple made these statements to Bloomberg.
Setapp Mobile ceases operations in the EU
At the heart of the debate is the decision by software company MacPaw to close its alternative iOS app marketplace, Setapp Mobile, in the EU. The shutdown is scheduled for February 16, 2026.
MacPaw justifies this move with complex business conditions that do not fit Setapp's current business model. The company did not provide specific details. However, it is clear that the economic and regulatory framework in the EU plays a key role.
Complex fees and new rules for app marketplaces
Apple permits alternative app marketplaces in the EU solely on the basis of the Digital Markets Act. The implementation of these regulations involves a complex fee structure. This affects both operators of alternative marketplaces and developers who wish to distribute their apps through such platforms.
This very complexity is increasingly being criticized. According to reports, the European Commission is preparing to hold Apple responsible for discontinuing Setapp Mobile in the EU. The Commission claims that Apple has not made sufficient changes to resolve fundamental problems with its terms and conditions, particularly their lack of clarity.
Apple denies responsibility
Apple strongly disputes this account. The company explains that its EU terms and conditions were not simplified as expected because the European Commission refused to approve the proposed changes. From Apple's perspective, the responsibility for the current situation therefore lies not with the company itself, but with regulatory obstacles.
Apple also clarifies that there is little demand for alternative app marketplaces in Europe. The closure of Setapp Mobile is not due to a lack of interest from users or developers, but rather to the difficult economic conditions under the current regulations.
Apple feels hampered by EU regulation
The dispute between Apple and the European Commission illustrates the difficulties of implementing the Digital Markets Act in practice. While the EU aims to enforce greater competition and transparency in the app market, Apple finds itself hampered by political delays and unclear responsibilities. The planned discontinuation of Setapp Mobile in the EU could become emblematic of this impasse. Without clear decisions and enforceable guidelines, the conflict is likely to escalate further and have long-term consequences for Apple, developers, and the European app market. (Image: Shutterstock / artjazz)
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