Key facts
- Apple will charge a 5% commission on apps distributed outside the App Store in the EU.
- In-app purchase fees are set at 26%, with a discounted 15% rate available for most developers.
- Apps using alternative payment processing will pay a 20% commission, or 10% for those in special programs.
- Developers will be locked into chosen payment options for 12 months.
- Requirements for operating an alternative app store have been loosened.
Apple has announced a revised commission structure for apps operating within the European Union, aiming to comply with the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The tech giant will replace its previous Core Technology Fee with a flat 5% commission on digital transactions for apps distributed outside the traditional App Store, whether via alternative marketplaces or the web. This move is Apple's latest attempt to align its business terms with EU regulations after previous iterations were criticized by regulators.
The new terms also adjust in-app purchase fees to 26%, down from the standard 30%, with most developers eligible for a discounted 15% rate through various programs or for auto-renewing subscriptions after the first year. Developers utilizing alternative payment processing will face a 20% commission, which drops to 10% if they are part of special programs. A significant change is the loosening of requirements for developers wishing to operate their own alternative app stores, removing the previous necessity of being a large iOS developer and introducing new criteria for financial stability.
Apple has also implemented a 12-month lock-in period for developers to adhere to their chosen payment options. Furthermore, external links within apps will be prohibited in the Kids category for safety, and users under 18 will require parental consent for purchases made outside the App Store.