In short: Apple shoots against the EU Commission +++ Creator event fuels hopes for a timely release of new MacBooks | News

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) grants users the ability to install alternative “app marketplaces” on the iPhone and iPad. At least that’s what the theory says – in practice hardly any providers make use of this. The reserved attitude is probably due to Apple’s extremely complex set of rules, which sets the hurdles for installation high, charges fees to developers and prevents global sales, as each economic area has its own rules. For MacPaw, that was probably the reason to cancel its sails: SetApp Mobile will be discontinued on February 16th, which is explained by the “terms and conditions that are still evolving” (see here).

The end of the store may not have gone unnoticed by the European Commission. According to Bloomberg, they are preparing a statement to hold Apple responsible for the end of the alternative store. However, Cupertino is rushing ahead and telling Bloomberg that the blame lies with the commission: it “refused to let Apple implement the changes that it itself demanded”.

According to its own information, the group submitted a formal compliance plan in October, to which the commission did not respond. They use “political delaying tactics” to “mislead the public and change the rules of the game.” The aim of this strategy is to “unjustifiably impose heavy fines on an American company”. Apple also points out that there is no demand for alternative stores in the EU and that the company is not responsible for the end of SetApp Mobile.

MacBook Pro: New models next week?
Apple has sent an invitation to an “Apple Experience” to select content creators. This is an event that will take place from January 27th to 29th in Los Angeles. With the Apple Creator Studio available starting January 28th, the event will almost certainly address this theme. However, it is entirely conceivable that Apple will present the software on new hardware: the event could be another indication of the imminent presentation of the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max. The timing is definitely suspicious: the joint presentation of the creative suite and the Pro hardware seems to be in line with Apple’s marketing (see here).