Apple EU App Store Changes | Penalty Response
- In response to increasing regulatory pressure from the European Union, Apple has unveiled significant changes to its App Store policies in the EU. These adjustments are designed to...
- The core of the revision involves a tiered system for store Services fees.
- For full access to App Store features, developers must opt for Tier 2, which carries a 13% commission.
Faced with EU regulatory pressure, Apple has dramatically adjusted its App Store commission structure. The core of the changes is a new tiered system aimed at complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and avoiding further penalties. Developers now have a choice: a basic tier with a 5% commission or a full-featured tier at 13%. Additionally, Apple introduced a Core Technology Commission of 5% on external purchases. The company plans to transition to a single business model, effective January 1, 2026. These moves follow a hefty €500 million fine. Apple, though, plans to appeal the penalty. News Directory 3 covers this breaking story.discover whatS next …
Apple Adjusts App Store Commission Structure in EU
Updated June 26, 2025
In response to increasing regulatory pressure from the European Union, Apple has unveiled significant changes to its App Store policies in the EU. These adjustments are designed to address concerns raised under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and avoid further penalties.
The core of the revision involves a tiered system for store Services fees. Tier 1 offers developers basic App Store features for a reduced 5% commission on in-app purchases. This tier includes app reviews, privacy nutrition labels, and Apple Support access. However, it lacks features like automatic app updates and downloads.
For full access to App Store features, developers must opt for Tier 2, which carries a 13% commission. apps will default to Tier 2, but developers can choose to move to Tier 1 if they prefer the lower commission rate and reduced feature set. These App Store changes impact how developers manage their apps.
Apple is also introducing a Core Technology Commission,which will take a 5% cut on external purchases made within apps distributed on the App Store.Developers operating under apple’s option business terms will continue to pay the core Technology Fee (CTF), set at €0.50 per download for apps exceeding 1 million annual installs.
The company plans to transition to a “single business model” in the EU by Jan. 1,2026. This will involve shifting the Core Technology Fee to the 5% Core Technology Commission on digital goods and services sold on the App Store and alternative marketplaces.
These changes follow a €500 million (about $570 million) penalty imposed by the EU on April 23. The EU ruled that Apple’s App store “anti-steering” practices,which limit developers’ ability to direct users to external purchase options,violated DMA rules. Apple faces interest payments on the fine if it is not paid by next month. The EU has also issued preliminary findings regarding Apple’s Core Technology Fee and other restrictions on alternative iOS app stores, deeming them “necessary and proportionate.”
Apple intends to appeal the penalty. “The European commission is requiring Apple to make a series of additional changes to the App Store,” the company said in a statement. “We disagree with this outcome and plan to appeal.”
What’s next
The EU Commission will now evaluate Apple’s proposed changes before making a final decision on any additional non-compliance fines. The future of the App Store commission structure and its impact on developers remains uncertain as the regulatory landscape evolves.