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Apple has announced significant changes to its App Store policies in the European Union following pressure from the bloc’s antitrust regulators. These updates aim to align with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and avoid hefty daily fines of up to €50 million ($58 million).
Developers using Apple’s in-app payment system will now be charged a 20% fee, reduced to 13% for those in Apple’s small business program. Importantly, developers can now direct users to external payment systems, subject to a fee ranging from 5% to 15%. Apple will also allow unlimited links to outside payment methods—removing prior restrictions that were deemed anti-competitive by EU regulators.
This policy revision follows a €500 million ($580 million) fine imposed on Apple in April for non-compliance. The European Commission stated it would review the latest changes, emphasizing the need for feedback from developers and other stakeholders to assess Apple’s compliance with the DMA.
Apple expressed disagreement with the Commission’s ruling and confirmed plans to appeal. Despite the updates, some critics argue Apple is still limiting true competition. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, a vocal opponent of Apple’s App Store policies, criticized the new rules on social media, calling them “a mockery of fair competition,” citing the continued financial burden on developers using alternative payment options.
The EU’s push for digital market fairness continues to reshape how tech giants like Apple operate, especially regarding app monetization and developer freedom. The Commission’s final decision will depend on ongoing evaluations and feedback from the broader digital ecosystem.
