Does iOS allow third-party apps? Guide & Setapp iOS explained

In 2025, iOS in the EU is finally opening up. With iOS 17.4, Apple allows users to install third-party apps, ending years of a tightly controlled ecosystem. 

In contrast, Setapp for iOS, already accessible to Mac users before this EU change, provides a curated, ad-free selection of premium apps for iPhone and iPad. Users worldwide can access these via a single subscription outside the App Store. It’s a simple way to access top-quality, full-version apps without juggling multiple stores or dealing with ads.

So, I’ll show why the Setapp iOS store might be the best thing for your iPhone.

iOS App ecosystem in 2025 — what’s changed?

For years, iPhone users could only download apps from Apple’s App Store. Installing third-party apps was strictly prohibited, keeping the iOS ecosystem tightly controlled. That changed in 2024 when Apple began complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires iOS devices in EU regions to allow apps from third-party stores. With iOS 17.4 or later, users now have more freedom to install apps outside the App Store, gaining access to alternatives that look nicer, feel smoother, and offer more functionality. Similar changes may come to the US in the near future, expanding iOS flexibility globally.

What are third-party iOS apps?

Some people assume that installing apps outside the App Store gives you total freedom over your iPhone. In reality, Apple still controls nearly every aspect of how alternative stores work: from reviewing apps to deciding how they’re published. So it may feel like extra freedom, but the experience is still very much within Apple’s rules.

You can install third-party apps on iOS from:

• Alternative app stores: These are third-party stores that have hundreds of iOS apps that may not be available on Apple’s App Store.
• Internal app sharing: This is for businesses that want to distribute internal iOS apps that are not on the App Store to their employees only.  
• Sideloading: It’s a method for creating and installing non-App Store iOS apps by signing and using a developer certificate. You need a paid Apple Developer Program for this. While this allows for greater customization, it may lack security and privacy.

How Setapp iOS works in the new landscape

Setapp offers a curated collection of over 50 premium iOS apps for work, students, freelancers, developers, and more. You can access these apps with the most popular plans:

• With the iOS-only plan directly on your iPhone via setapp.com
• With the Mac + iOS plan, get over 250 Mac, iOS, and web apps in one subscription. 

The best thing is that when you sign up for a Setapp subscription, new users enjoy a free 7-day trial with no hidden fees, ads, or in-app purchases. Plus, all apps update automatically to the latest versions, so you can always enjoy the newest features with ease.

How to install and use Setapp iOS Apps

Depending on your subscription plan, there are several ways to install Setapp iOS apps.

If you’re subscribed to Mac + iOS, Power User, or AI Expert plan:

1. Open the Setapp app on your Mac.
2. Click All Apps > iOS Apps.
3. Choose the app you need and click the Get iOS App button.
4. Scan the QR code with your iPhone or iPad to download the app on your device.
5. Then click Unlock full version > Scan the QR code to sign up for the app using your Setapp account and access all premium features.

If you want to subscribe to Setapp iOS apps only:

1. Go to setapp.com from your iOS device.
2. Tap Try free for 7 days > Enter your email.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose the iOS plan.

If you're interested in learning more about the platform, check out these five tips to get started with Setapp.

Pros and cons of using Setapp iOS

While Setapp for iOS is a convenient and cost-effective option for many, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pros:

• It gives you access to 50+ premium iOS apps (or 250+ apps with the Mac + iOS plan).
• There are apps for designers, professionals, beginners, and developers.
• Setapp offers a unified subscription plan that allows you to choose between monthly or annual payments.
• There are no in-app purchases and no ads.
• It offers a 7-day free trial to all its users.
• Automatic app updates with latest features

Cons:

• Limited to the apps available in Setapp’s library
• Best value comes with Mac + iOS plan, which may not suit iOS-only users

Other ways to get third-party apps on iOS

These days, adding apps to your iPhone isn’t just about tapping “Get” in the App Store. Since iOS 17.4, Apple has allowed users to install apps from outside the App Store, opening up new possibilities. Common methods include:

Sideloading using the Apple Developer Program

The Apple Developer Program lets you create your iOS app, and it costs about $99 a year to join. If you're part of an organization, it might cost more. This program also lets you sideload apps. Before using it, make sure you know how to use Xcode, sign apps with certificates, and handle provisioning profiles.

Drawback: Apps sideloaded using this method are valid for only 7 days (for free accounts) or up to 1 year (for paid accounts). After that, you need to re-sign. Also, sideloading has no review process by Apple, so apps may not be verified for security and privacy.

Enterprise app

Apple allows companies to distribute in-house apps via enterprise certificates. However, these apps are meant only for employees. Misuse (e.g., public distribution) can lead to certificate revocation. It’s legal for corporate use, but risky and complex for regular users.

Drawback: It requires that your iOS device be registered with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. Also, it is impractical for individual users who want a general third-party iOS app installation.

Alternative app stores 

Now, there are many alternative app stores that allow you to install third-party iOS apps. There are Setapp, AltStore, Aptoide, etc. 

Here is a comparison between alternative app stores:

Drawback: While alternative app stores expand iOS options, many come with trade-offs like setup complexity, limited app libraries, or being region-restricted.

Future of third-party App stores on iOS

Next will be iOS 26Next will be iOS 26 which is expected to be launched in September 2025 by Apple. I can say that with its upcoming iOS, Apple will continue to support third-party app stores in the EU and may consider the same in other countries. But it is just a speculation; the real story will be clear with the new iOS launch in the future.

Is Setapp iOS worth it?

Absolutely! If you’ve ever wasted time hunting for the right iOS app or juggling multiple paid subscriptions, Setapp iOS is totally worth it. It’s not just another app store but a curated, productivity-first toolkit under one subscription.

You get premium apps like Spark Mail (email organization), CleanMy®Phone (storage decluttering), NotePlan (planning and scheduling), and Ulysses (writing), all ad-free, always updated, and with no in-app purchases. No license management or hidden costs.

Does iOS allow 3rd party apps? [Answered]

Third-party iOS apps usually refer to apps you install from outside Apple’s App Store, like sideloading, alternative app stores, etc. 

However, with Setapp, it works a bit differently: all iOS apps in Setapp are installed through the App Store (so they meet Apple’s security and quality requirements) but don’t require a separate App Store purchase to function. Your Setapp subscription unlocks full access.

Setapp has a bunch of useful Mac and web apps for whatever you need, like managing your time, cleaning up your Mac, taking notes, and more. Test all the apps with a 7-day free trial.