PPlatformAppStores

Setapp

General SaaS

MacPaw Inc. · General SaaS app marketplaces

Best for: Native Mac/iOS app developers wanting curated subscription distribution instead of one-off sales.

Overview

Setapp distributes native macOS and iOS apps under a single subscription rather than per-app purchases, curating a fixed catalog rather than an open self-serve marketplace. Developers apply for inclusion and are paid from a shared revenue pool based on usage, not direct app sales.

How to build & ship

  1. 1Integrate the Setapp Framework into your macOS (or iOS) app and configure the required bundle ID and Info.plist keys
  2. 2Notarize the macOS build and package it as a .zip (app in root or one nested directory)
  3. 3For iOS, register the app, embed the Setapp public key, and ship through the App Store with a matching in-app purchase
  4. 4Upload the build to the Setapp developer dashboard (manually or via the API / Fastlane plugin)
  5. 5Complete listing metadata: description, key benefits, screenshots, video, and support URLs
  6. 6Submit for review from the dashboard

Key APIs & SDKs

Setapp Framework (macOS/iOS)
Setapp Vendor API
Fastlane plugin
Setapp AI SDKs
Developer dashboard

Integration types

Embedded app

Authentication & security

  • Primary auth: None
  • Also supports: API key
  • Security review: Required
  • Curated inclusion review; Setapp evaluates app quality and category fit before onboarding.
  • Setapp curates and vets each app for quality, safety, and framework integration; the first submission gets a full manual review while later updates run an expedited minimum-checks review (no publicly fixed duration).
  • Not applicable — Setapp distributes native apps rather than API-integrated services.
Auth docs Store policies

Monetization

Revenue share
Onboarding
$0 to apply; curated acceptance
Commission
Revenue-share pool distributed by usage share, not a fixed per-sale cut
Merchant of Record
Setapp acts as MoR for all subscriptions

Pros & cons for builders

Pros

  • Subscription revenue-share model with no per-app pricing pressure
  • Curated catalog gives quality apps strong visibility
  • Handles distribution, licensing, and payments for you
  • Covers macOS, iOS, and web app entry points

Cons

  • Curated, invite/approval-gated — not open self-serve publishing
  • Requires adopting the Setapp Framework and its bundle/notarization rules
  • Revenue depends on Setapp's usage-based payout formula rather than direct pricing

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my app approved on Setapp?

Setapp curates and vets each app for quality, safety, and framework integration; the first submission gets a full manual review while later updates run an expedited minimum-checks review (no publicly fixed duration).

What authentication does Setapp use?

Setapp apps primarily authenticate with None, also supporting API key.

How is Setapp monetized?

Setapp supports Revenue share. Typical commission: Revenue-share pool distributed by usage share, not a fixed per-sale cut. Onboarding fee: $0 to apply; curated acceptance.

Is a security review required to list on Setapp?

Yes, Setapp requires a formal security or listing review before apps go live. Curated inclusion review; Setapp evaluates app quality and category fit before onboarding.