Apple said Tuesday it will change its App Store fee structure for developers operating within the European Union [1, 2].
The move aims to resolve a long-running dispute with regulators and ensure the company complies with the Digital Markets Act and a specific EU antitrust order [3, 1].
Under the new terms, Apple will charge a five percent commission [2] on digital transactions for apps that are distributed outside the official App Store. This adjustment removes several higher fees that previously applied to developers using alternative distribution methods [1, 2].
The policy change follows significant pressure from European regulators over the company's closed ecosystem. Apple previously faced a 500 million euro fine [4] imposed by the EU for antitrust violations related to its app distribution and payment practices [4].
By lowering the commission rate, Apple seeks to align its business model with the EU's requirements for open competition. The company has historically defended its fee structure as necessary for maintaining the security and integrity of the iOS platform, but the new rules mandate more flexibility for third-party app stores [1, 3].
The updated fee structure applies specifically to the European Union market. It allows developers to reach users through alternative channels, while still providing Apple with a percentage of the digital revenue generated by those apps [2].
“Apple will charge a 5% commission on digital transactions for apps distributed outside the App Store.”
This shift marks a significant concession by Apple in its battle against the European Union's regulatory framework. By reducing fees for alternative app stores, Apple is attempting to avoid further multi-million euro penalties while maintaining a revenue stream from apps it no longer exclusively controls. This creates a precedent that other global regulators may use to pressure the company into opening its ecosystem in other markets.
