Joining the Setapp Mobile open beta necessitates iOS 17.4 or later and an Apple ID based in the European Union. New subscribers from the EU can access a seven-day free trial for the platform’s monthly “iOS Advanced” plan, which costs $9.99 or €9.49. This plan enables users to download any iPhone apps they choose from both the Setapp Mobile iOS app and Setapp’s desktop/web marketplace. However, many of the apps offered are also available for free through the Apple App Store. Users who had joined the previous invite-only beta under other Setapp plans will need to upgrade to the new plan, or they will lose access after September 17th.
The Verge noted that the process of installing apps using Setapp can be cumbersome, as observed in their initial hands-on review. This complexity seems to be common among third-party iOS app platforms. However, the separate Setapp Mobile service is expected to be more user-friendly, allowing users to download iOS apps directly to their iPhones without extra steps.