Apple is overhauling its App Store rules in the European Union, saying the changes will resolve its disagreements with the European Commission over business terms and alternative distribution. Every developer distributing apps will be moved to a single set of business terms, with digital transactions for apps distributed outside the App Store subject to a 5% Core Technology Commission fee. The new terms take effect on October 1st, alongside a 26% commission for App Store apps using Apple's in-app payment system.
π The Backstory
Apple has long clashed with EU regulators over the 'gatekeeper' status of its App Store under the Digital Markets Act, attracting scrutiny over its fees and rules for alternative distribution. The new terms aim to bring Apple into compliance while simplifying a previously fragmented fee structure across the App Store and outside it.
π― Why It Matters
The changes will help determine the competitive future of the EU app market, shaping how much developers pay and how alternative app stores and sideloading can operate. The outcome could also serve as a template for other jurisdictions weighing app-store regulation.
Apple is overhauling its App Store rules in the European Union, saying the changes will resolve its disagreements with the European Commission over business terms and alternative distribution. Every developer distributing apps will be moved to a single set of business terms, with digital transactions for apps distributed outside the App Store subject to a 5% Core Technology Commission fee. The new terms take effect on October 1st, alongside a 26% commission for App Store apps using Apple's in-app payment system.
Apple has long clashed with EU regulators over the 'gatekeeper' status of its App Store under the Digital Markets Act, attracting scrutiny over its fees and rules for alternative distribution. The new terms aim to bring Apple into compliance while simplifying a previously fragmented fee structure across the App Store and outside it.
The changes will help determine the competitive future of the EU app market, shaping how much developers pay and how alternative app stores and sideloading can operate. The outcome could also serve as a template for other jurisdictions weighing app-store regulation.