Apple Overhauls EU App Store Fees to Settle DMA Dispute
Apple is overhauling its EU App Store fees to settle a dispute with the European Commission, effective from 1 October. The changes include:
- Elimination of Core Technology Fee: The per-install fee for developers bypassing the App Store is replaced by a 5% commission on digital transactions.
- Reduced In-app Purchase Commission: In-app purchases will be charged at 26%, dropping to 15% for specific developer programmes.
- Mixing Payment Options: Developers can now offer Apple's In-app Purchase alongside alternative payment options within the same app, subject to presentation requirements for a consistent user experience.
- Payment Option Lock-in: Developers must choose their payment options for 12 months before switching.
- Alternative Distribution Check: Apps distributed outside the App Store must pass Apple's Notarisation review for functionality and security.
- Enhanced Child Safety: Apple is introducing stricter child-safety measures for alternative payment routes, aligning with protections in other markets.
- Parental Gates: Apps using alternative payments or web links-out must include a parental gate for users under 18.
Credit: Shutterstock
Source: Apple Announcement, Bloomberg, Reuters