Apple announces changes for apps in the European Union

Apple announces changes for apps in the European Union Apple today announced changes to its business terms for apps in the European Union, following close collaboration with the European Commission. These changes reduce complexity by moving every developer that distributes apps in the EU to a single set of business terms, effective October 1. Specifications Under the new model, Apple will charge a commission on the sale of digital goods and services. The Core Technology Fee will be replaced by the Core Technology Commission, a simple 5 percent commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store. Commission rates across the App Store, alternative app payments, and alternatively distributed apps are adjusted as follows: 26 percent for App Store apps using Apple In-App Purchase (15 percent for most developers and auto-renewing subscriptions after their first year), 20 percent for App Store apps using alternative payment processing (10 percent reduced rate), 15 percent for App Store apps that link out to complete purchases (10 percent reduced rate), and 5 percent Core Technology Commission for apps distributed via alternative app marketplaces or the web. Features Developers can now offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options, which had not previously been permitted in the EU. Developers must select their payment options and maintain them for 12 months. Child safety protections include no website links for transactions in Kids category apps, a parental gate for users under 18 using alternative payments or links, and no website links for transactions for users under 13. Eligibility to operate alternative app marketplaces or distribute via the web is expanded to companies meeting a moderate financial-stability bar, being publicly traded or owned by a publicly traded company, having venture funding, completing a financial audit, or being a government entity, educational institution, or nonprofit. All alternatively distributed apps must go through Notarization. Price and Availability Developers can sign the new terms today, and changes will go into effect on October 1, 2026. Detailed resources are available from the Apple Developer Support page. Verdict These changes are for developers distributing apps in the EU who want simplified business terms, reduced commission rates for most developers, and new flexibility in payment options and distribution methods, while maintaining child safety protections and baseline app review through Notarization.