Apple has revised its EU App Store rules in response to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act, after previously being given a deadline to comply earlier this month.
Apple’s updated policy offers developers much more flexibility on linking users to promotions and purchases on websites.
Still, the new system locks important developer-side App Store functionality depending on how much of a cut they decide to give Apple from purchases made through website links and in-app via third-party payment providers.
Store Services Tier 1, the “mandatory” option, gives developers features like app reviews, access to Apple Support, and other basics. Apple’s cut here is 5%.
Tier 2, however, which Apple says is “optional”, gates key functions like automatic update downloads, search visibility, and app insights, among others – basically, what Apple already offers in exchange for its cut. This is enabled by default for developers, and comes with a 13% cut for Apple (or 10% for Small Business Program users).
Developers can choose to actively opt in to Tier 1, and change tiers once per quarter. A 2% initial acquisition fee based on purchases made by new users applies to both tiers.
“Worldwide, the App Store’s single commission on digital goods and services is designed to reflect the many ways Apple creates value for developers,” the company states on the page explaining these two tiers.
“This includes everything from App Store distribution and discovery, secure payment processing, and commerce services, to the trusted and secure platforms and all the tools and technology to build and share innovative apps with users around the world.”
Those under Apple’s alternative business terms will pay the Core Technology Fee charge of €0.50 for each first annual install for any app (downloaded via the App Store, web distribution, or an alternative marketplace) that exceeds 1 million first annual installs per year.
For its standard business terms in the EU, Apple is introducing the Core Technology Commission, a 5% charge that applies across both tiers for digital purchases made at any store of the developers’ choice. Apple will replace the CTF with the CTC for apps distributed in the EU by January 2026.
The full breakdown of how the new system works can be found here. The European Commission is yet to respond to the changes.
The EC previously fined Apple $565.5 million (€500m) for its violations. Apple is still planning to appeal, according to 9to5Mac. “The European Commission is requiring Apple to make a series of additional changes to the App Store,” it said in a statement. “We disagree with this outcome and plan to appeal.”
Epic’s Tim Sweeney, whose company’s legal fight with Apple led to a landmark ruling for enabling third-party app payments on iOS in the United States, called Apple’s response a “malicious compliance scheme” on social media.
Apple is appealing that ruling, too.
