Single app distribution overview
What is single app distribution?
Single-App Distribution is a new way to distribute and monetize your app on Setapp outside of the Setapp Membership model. It allows you to sell your app directly to users via the Setapp Marketplace.
This model is designed to give developers more flexibility in how their apps are offered, priced, and scaled within the Setapp ecosystem.
With this model:
- Your app is available for a one-time purchase or individual subscription in the Setapp Marketplace
- Setapp handles licensing, payments, taxes, and first-line user support
- You receive revenue from each sale based on a fixed revenue share
Single-App Distribution complements — not replaces — Setapp Membership. If you previously published your app on Setapp, you can continue participating in Membership while also offering your app as a standalone product.
Why we’re adding single-app distribution
We’re introducing Single-App Distribution to address two key needs: broader reach for developers and more flexible distribution options within Setapp.
Reach beyond Membership
MacPaw already has a large and engaged audience across its product catalog. Single-App Distribution allows your app to reach these users through a direct purchase flow.
Scalable traffic across MacPaw properties
MacPaw websites and landing pages generate consistent, high-intent traffic. Single-App Distribution creates a strong top-of-funnel for app discovery and direct sales at scale.
Fewer limitations on what can be distributed
Membership requires a balanced catalog and usage-based revenue sharing, which limits the number of apps that can be included.
With Single-App Distribution, you can also monetize apps that are:
- not part of Setapp Membership
- more niche or specialized
- better suited for direct purchase models
- pricing models that aren’t suitable for the Setapp Membership
Supported platforms (initial release)
- macOS desktop apps only
Support for iOS and web apps is planned for later in 2026.
Supported purchase options
At launch, Single-App Distribution supports:
- Subscriptions:
- Monthly
- 3-month
- 6-month
- Annual
- One-time purchases
Trial period
You can optionally offer a trial period for your app — contact us to enable it.
Conditions:
- Length: 7 days
- Credit card: required to start the trial
- Eligibility: subscription-based apps only
Eligibility criteria for the first release
For the initial onboarding wave, the following criteria apply.
Developer geography
- App developers based in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United States
We plan to expand to additional regions in future phases.
Platform requirements
- macOS desktop apps only
What’s next
If you’re interested in participating in Single-App Distribution or want to learn more about onboarding and requirements, reach out to us at:
We’re excited to help you expand beyond Membership and explore a more flexible, direct app distribution model within Setapp.