EU App Updates: Latest News & Changes
- Apple is rolling out changes to its App Store policies in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act.
- Developers with apps in the EU App Store can now communicate and promote offers for digital goods or services available outside the App Store.
- These apps will be subject to new business terms, including an initial acquisition fee, a store services fee, and the Core Technology Commission (CTC) for apps using the...
Apple reshapes its App Store policies in the EU to align with the Digital Markets Act, impacting developers and users alike. Developers now have the liberty to promote offers for digital goods outside the App Store. Understand new business terms, acquisition fees, and store service fees that accompany thes changes. Apple plans a single EU business model by January 1,2026,transitioning from CTF to CTC. This is crucial for app distribution strategies. iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 users benefit from an updated interface. News Directory 3 keeps you informed on these pivotal shifts. Anticipate more details on the upcoming transition. Discover what’s next as Apple continues to refine its approach.
Apple Adjusts App Store Policies in EU Amid Digital Markets Act
updated June 27, 2025
Apple is rolling out changes to its App Store policies in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act. These adjustments impact how developers communicate offers and how users install apps.
Developers with apps in the EU App Store can now communicate and promote offers for digital goods or services available outside the App Store. This includes websites, alternative app marketplaces, or other apps, accessible either within the app via a web view or natively.
These apps will be subject to new business terms, including an initial acquisition fee, a store services fee, and the Core Technology Commission (CTC) for apps using the StoreKit External purchase link Entitlement (EU) Addendum. the CTC, according to Apple, reflects the value they provide through investments in tools and technologies.
For music streaming apps in the European Economic Area (EEA), the Music Streaming Services Entitlement (EEA) offers similar options.
By Jan. 1, 2026, Apple plans to implement a single business model in the EU for all developers. This involves transitioning from the Core Technology Fee (CTF) to the CTC on digital goods or services sold through the App Store,web distribution,or alternative marketplaces. Apps under the Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU will remain subject to the CTF until the transition is complete.
With the release of iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, users in the EU will experience an updated interface for installing alternative marketplaces or apps from developer websites. An API will also be available later this year, allowing developers to initiate downloads of alternatively distributed apps from within their own apps, enhancing the app distribution role.
What’s next
Apple is expected to provide further details regarding the transition from CTF to CTC in the coming months. Developers are encouraged to stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance and optimize their app distribution strategies within the evolving regulatory landscape of the European Union.