Apple Revises EU App Store Rules to Comply with DMA: Overhauls Fee Structure and Reduces Core Technology CommissionApple has announced a comprehensive revision to its App Store rules and fee structures across the European Union to align with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The changes follow feedback from the European Commission indicating that Apple's previous policy adjustments did not fully meet DMA requirements. Apple stated that the new framework was developed through close consultation with European regulators.
A key shift in the revised rules is the elimination of the 2% initial acquisition fee and a restructuring of the Core Technology Commission (CTC). Instead of charging developers based on installs exceeding 1 million downloads, Apple has converted the CTC into a flat 5% commission applied exclusively when digital transactions occur.
Updated App Store Fee Framework (Effective October 1)
Standard In-App Purchases (IAP): Apple charges a 26% commission for developers using Apple's native IAP system (15% for small businesses, mini-apps, video partners, and auto-renewable subscriptions after year one).
Alternative In-App Payment Processing: Apps using alternative payment providers inside the app pay a 20% commission (10% for reduced-tier developers).
External Out-Bound Links: Apps directing users to complete purchases on external websites via out-bound links pay a 15% commission (10% for reduced-tier developers).
Third-Party App Stores (Sideloading): Apps distributed outside the App Store pay a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital transactions.
Compliance, Security, and Age Protocols
The updated terms introduce strict operational mandates for developers operating within the EU:
12-Month Lock-In Period: Developers selecting a specific payment processing method must maintain that system for a minimum of 12 consecutive months before switching.
Youth Safety Restrictions: Apps categorized in the Kids section, as well as accounts belonging to users under 13, are strictly prohibited from embedding external payment links.
Parental Verification: For users under the age of 18, parental verification systems must remain active for all transactions, including those processed via external payment links.
The European Commission welcomed Apple's concessions following lengthy negotiations. All changes are scheduled to take effect on October 1. However, longtime critic Epic Games condemned the agreement, arguing that allowing Apple to levy commissions on external transactions undermines the core spirit of the DMA, which was intended to grant developers total freedom over their payment processing.
Source: Apple
Apple Revises EU App Store Rules to Comply with DMA: Overhauls Fee Structure and Reduces Core Technology CommissionApple has announced a comprehensive revision to its App Store rules and fee structures across the European Union to align with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The changes follow feedback from the European Commission indicating that Apple's previous policy adjustments did not fully meet DMA requirements. Apple stated that the new framework was developed through close consultation with European regulators.
A key shift in the revised rules is the elimination of the 2% initial acquisition fee and a restructuring of the Core Technology Commission (CTC). Instead of charging developers based on installs exceeding 1 million downloads, Apple has converted the CTC into a flat 5% commission applied exclusively when digital transactions occur.
Updated App Store Fee Framework (Effective October 1)
Standard In-App Purchases (IAP): Apple charges a 26% commission for developers using Apple's native IAP system (15% for small businesses, mini-apps, video partners, and auto-renewable subscriptions after year one).
Alternative In-App Payment Processing: Apps using alternative payment providers inside the app pay a 20% commission (10% for reduced-tier developers).
External Out-Bound Links: Apps directing users to complete purchases on external websites via out-bound links pay a 15% commission (10% for reduced-tier developers).
Third-Party App Stores (Sideloading): Apps distributed outside the App Store pay a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital transactions.
Compliance, Security, and Age Protocols
The updated terms introduce strict operational mandates for developers operating within the EU:
12-Month Lock-In Period: Developers selecting a specific payment processing method must maintain that system for a minimum of 12 consecutive months before switching.
Youth Safety Restrictions: Apps categorized in the Kids section, as well as accounts belonging to users under 13, are strictly prohibited from embedding external payment links.
Parental Verification: For users under the age of 18, parental verification systems must remain active for all transactions, including those processed via external payment links.
The European Commission welcomed Apple's concessions following lengthy negotiations. All changes are scheduled to take effect on October 1. However, longtime critic Epic Games condemned the agreement, arguing that allowing Apple to levy commissions on external transactions undermines the core spirit of the DMA, which was intended to grant developers total freedom over their payment processing.
Source: Apple
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