Apple updates EU App Store rules starting October 1st
Apple is overhauling its App Store rules in the European Union to resolve disputes with the Commission, introducing a 5 percent Core Technology Commission starting October 1st.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Apple revises App Store policies in the EU to resolve ongoing disputes with the Commission
- New standard business terms apply to all developers starting October 1st
- A 5 percent Core Technology Commission applies to digital transactions outside the App Store
- New child safety measures and purchase restrictions introduced for minor users
Apple is once again overhauling its App Store rules in the European Union, a move the company states will resolve its disagreements with the European Commission regarding business terms and alternative distribution. Under the updated framework, all app developers will transition to a single, unified set of business terms taking effect on October 1st.
With these new terms, developers operating in the EU are permitted to offer both in-app purchases and alternative payment systems simultaneously. However, developers must maintain their chosen payment options for a period of 12 months in order to provide consistency and clarity for users, according to Apple.
The revised fee structure includes a 26 percent commission for App Store applications utilizing Apple's internal purchase system, or a 20 percent fee for developers leveraging alternative payment providers. Additionally, developers face a 15 percent commission on purchases linking out of the application. These rates are reduced for participants enrolled in the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, or Video Partner Program.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
A 5 percent Core Technology Commission will be levied on digital transactions occurring within apps distributed through third-party app stores and the web. Simultaneously, Apple will eliminate the initial acquisition fee, store services fee, and the previous Core Technology Fee of 0.50 euros per download that applied past 1 million annual installations. Web distribution remains exclusive to the EU, with strict eligibility requirements requiring operators to be publicly traded companies or pass financial audits by licensed accountants.
This policy adjustment follows Apple's ongoing compliance efforts under the Digital Markets Act, designed to regulate major technology gatekeepers. Previously, the European Commission ruled that Apple's anti-steering practices violated the DMA, resulting in financial penalties and an unsuccessful legal bid by Apple to exclude iOS from the legislation. Adopting these alternative payment structures represents a necessary compliance path for the tech giant within the European market.
"resolve its disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative distribution."
Apple
The updates also incorporate robust child safety features tailored for the EU region. Children's applications within the App Store are barred from linking to external websites for financial transactions, and links to purchase websites are prohibited for users under 13 years old. Furthermore, users under 18 must secure explicit authorization from a parent or guardian when attempting purchases via alternative payment methods inside App Store apps.
Source: The Verge
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