Apple announces changes to its App Store commission structure and related policies for developers in the European Union. The company says the updates are made to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) and to resolve its disagreements with the European Commission over business terms and alternative distribution.
Apple removes an initial acquisition fee and a store services fee for apps distributed outside the App Store. It also replaces a prior per-install Core Technology Fee with a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital purchases for those external channels. For App Store distribution and alternative payment methods, Apple sets new commission rates that vary by how developers charge users, including different rates for in-app purchases, alternative payments, and link-outs to websites.
Outlets also emphasize that Apple allows developers to offer in-app purchases alongside alternative payment options in the EU, subject to presentation and consistency requirements. Apple says developers must choose payment options and keep them unchanged for 12 months, and it applies additional conditions for apps for children, including parental gating for users under 18. Finally, Apple loosens rules for running alternative app marketplaces, replacing a prior standby letter of credit requirement with broader eligibility criteria, and the revised terms take effect October 1.
