FAQ

Joining Setapp

Preparing your app

Distributing revenue

Do you take total time spent by a user within the app into account?
How do you calculate revenue shares if users are offline?
How does Setapp resolve the problem of different initial prices of apps?
How do you determine price tiers for apps with a subscription, not a fixed price?
Do I get paid while my users are on Setapp Trial period?
For yearly user subscriptions, do I get my revenue in a single payout

Leaving Setapp

What if I changed my mind and want to remove my app from Setapp?
Do I continue to get paid for the users I’ve brought to Setapp if my apps are no longer in Setapp?

Joining Setapp

Can I sell my apps outside Setapp?

Yes, you can sell your apps via Setapp and other distribution channels. However, you have to make sure that the Setapp version of your product matches all the required review guidelines and that the use of fraudulent marketing techniques of any kind does not compromise the reputation of the product’s non-Setapp copy. Also, note that we expect you to keep the Setapp version of your app up-to-date alongside its versions on other resources. Find more information here.

Can I communicate with users directly?

Yes, Setapp does not separate you from your users in any way, and the task of user support and other communications with your users remains under your control. You may integrate any framework for collecting users’ feedback or crash data into your app. Moreover, you can implement Setapp User Permissions API that allows you to offer a user to share their personal information.

To download the list of users who shared their emails with you, go to the Customer email lists page of your developer account. Click the appropriate link to start the download (a file is available in .csv).

Please see also how to respond to the customers’ reviews.

Preparing your app

Can I use the existing version of my app to submit it to Setapp?

We tried to design Setapp as simple as possible, particularly in terms of integration, but whatever version of the app you have, some minimum changes are required. You’ll need to integrate the Setapp Framework or Vendor API as well as disable your built-in licensing and update frameworks.

Do I need to rename the Setapp version of my app?

We don’t ask you to rename your app, but you'll need to remove the indication of its version from both app name and bundle ID. It is essential because one of Setapp’s main principles is the free and timely upgrades of all apps to the newest versions. It means that Setapp can distribute only one and the most recent version of your app.

As you know, Setapp distributes only fully functional apps with an entire range of features. Thus, if, for some reason, the name of your app includes a word like 'light' or 'demo,' which usually indicates crippled versions, please remove or replace it to avoid confusion among users. For example, if your app is named 'MyApp Light,' remove or replace the 'light' ending. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please contact our Support Team.

Do I need to change the bundle ID of my app for Setapp?

Yes, you’ll need to change the bundle ID of your app. This will prevent conflicts between the Setapp version of your app and its other versions. Here’s a description of how exactly we ask you to do it.

My app includes several frameworks for download, installation, and upgrade. Should I remove or disable them?

You have to ensure your app doesn't contain installation, update, activation, and licensing frameworks (APIs) before integrating Setapp Framework. At least, you must disable and unlink these frameworks. Also, please refer to Setapp Framework to learn more about preparing your app for Setapp.

Can I cross-promote my other apps in the Setapp version of my app?

Setapp differs from other software distribution services with unlimited access to all its apps without additional purchases or advertising. It means that active cross-promotion of apps is also unacceptable, even if the app is available within Setapp. However, we don’t mind if you mention your apps in the About dialog of your app, for example.

Can we force users to update Setapp and Setapp apps?

We have a tool for forced updates for highly critical cases. However, the forced update may lead to data loss or other unwanted consequences that don't match our values. Our general approach is to make users decide whether they want and are ready for an update. We have the following soft tools to suggest an update:

Every time you release a new app version, we show a pop-up message to users encouraging them to update. If a user declines the suggestion, we stop showing this message until you release a new update.
The user can constantly update at a convenient time: they must click Setapp > Check for Updates.

What data does Setapp collect from users?

Apple requires developers to disclose how their apps handle personal data on the App Store. Since using the Setapp Framework involves sharing some data with Setapp, we recommend providing specific answers for App Store Connect.

The Setapp Framework collects data only from users who activate apps through Setapp. Regular App Store users are not affected.

Setapp Framework collects the following data to ensure smooth operation and enhance user experience:

Usage Data: Information on how frequently users interact with Setapp apps.
Performance Data: Metrics like load times and error reports.
Device Information: Details about the user's device, such as operating system version and hardware specs.

Additionally, we've added a Privacy Manifest to the Setapp Framework. It records the types of data collected and the APIs required. This manifest is stored in the resources bundle and will be used to generate a privacy report for your app.

Distributing revenue

Do you take the total time spent by a user within the app into account?

We do not take into account the number of usages of a particular app per month and the total amount of time spent within apps. The terms of revenue distribution are equal for apps used only once and for apps used daily. The scheme offered by Setapp is aimed at the real value users receive from apps, not just time or the number of launches.

How do you calculate revenue shares if users are offline?

Usually, Setapp usage reports are sent every day and processed at the end of the billing period of each user. If a user is not connected to the internet, reports are accumulated locally and sent when the user is online again. So, there might be a slight delay in processing reports from a particular user. If we don't have user reports on time, you will get your share in the next billing period.

How does Setapp resolve the problem of different initial prices of apps?

The earning model of Setapp is based on multipliers; thus, cheaper apps have lower multipliers and vice versa. Monthly earnings are fairly distributed between developers because every app is added to its price tier at the moment it’s being added to Setapp. The price tier is defined by the current market price of the app that was effective for at least three months outside Setapp.

How do you determine price tiers for apps with a subscription, not a fixed price?

If an app doesn’t use a purchase price, the amount of its annual subscription fee is used for price tier assignment. Read more in Price tiers.

Do I get paid while my users are on Setapp’s Trial period?

No, app developers and Setapp agree on sharing the trial usage risks. When entering Setapp, you and any other developer agree to provide a free trial to all new Setapp users.

For yearly user subscriptions, do I get my revenue in a single payout?

No, we calculate and pay revenue every month since it’s monthly statistics that we use to distribute user payments among developers.

Leaving Setapp

What if I change my mind and want to remove my app from Setapp?

If you firmly decide to leave Setapp and officially inform us of your will, we will be able to take your app from Setapp only after the expiration of the term specified in the agreement. Like any other subscription model, a fair assessment of Setapp’s monetization model requires a long-term exploration when you can track users’ behavior and changes in revenue. That’s why we usually insist on 1 year when you cannot recall your app. However, if there’s something you want to discuss or would like to change, please contact our Support Team, and we’ll try to help you. When you go, new users (and users who haven’t installed your app) cannot access your app anymore. However, those users who have already installed your app and use it may continue doing so until they uninstall it. You continue receiving your share in revenue from these users during the 12 months from the date of your app removal, but you stop getting the 20% Partner fee. Please note that we can also withdraw apps from Setapp in case of severe violation of our rules.

Do I continue to get paid for the users I’ve brought to Setapp if my apps are no longer in Setapp?

No, if you decide to discontinue our partnership and take your apps from Setapp, you stop getting the 20% Partner fee.