Apple Updates Developer Guidelines to Comply with EU Digital Markets Act
In alignment with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), apple has introduced significant revisions to its developer policies, ensuring adherence before the June 26 deadline.These changes reshape how app developers engage users and modify Apple’s fee structures within its platform.
Regulatory Context and Financial Consequences
the European Commission previously fined Apple €500 million for non-compliance with DMA mandates, signaling intensified regulatory scrutiny. Facing potential additional penalties, Apple swiftly adjusted its policies to mitigate further financial risks.
Empowering Developers Through Enhanced Communication Freedoms
A major update targets apple’s former “anti-steering” rules that restricted developer-to-user communication. Now, developers operating in the EU can openly share links directing users to alternative payment methods beyond the App Store across various platforms-whether on websites, third-party app stores, or other applications. These external payment links may be embedded inside apps via web views or native interfaces without requiring prior warning screens or disclaimers that were once compulsory.
Greater Accessibility of External Payment Links
- Developers are permitted to include external payment options across multiple digital channels without limitations.
- The removal of mandatory pop-ups informing users about alternative payments reduces friction during transactions.
- This adaptability aims to stimulate competition and offer consumers more diverse choices when subscribing or making in-app purchases.
A new Tiered Fee Structure Replaces Previous Core Technology Fee
Instead of abolishing fees entirely, Apple has implemented a multi-level commission system supplanting the earlier Core Technology Fee (CTF). The updated model consists of two main components:
- An acquisition fee fixed at 2% per transaction;
- A store services fee ranging from 5% up to 13%, depending on wich developer tier is selected (with Small Business program members benefiting from a discounted rate of 10%).
Differentiation Between Tiers Includes:
- tier 1: Access limited App Store services such as manual app reviews, developer-managed updates, and basic fraud prevention;
- tier 2: Offers advanced capabilities including automated updates, integration with marketing tools, personalized curation algorithms, comprehensive analytics dashboards among others.
The Introduction of Core Technology Commission (CTC)
The newly established Core Technology Commission replaces CTF for apps utilizing external payment systems under Apple’s StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (EU) Addendum. Starting January 1st,2026, standard EU business developers will incur a flat commission rate of 5%. meanwhile, developers surpassing one million downloads will continue paying €0.50 per install under legacy terms until full transition occurs.
“The CTC underscores Apple’s commitment toward delivering powerful tools and technologies that support developers globally,” emphasized an official statement highlighting ongoing investment in innovation within their ecosystem.
diverse Industry Perspectives reflect Ongoing Competition Concerns
The CEO of Epic Games criticized these policy shifts as superficial adjustments aimed primarily at satisfying regulators rather than promoting authentic market fairness. He contended that charging commissions even on apps offering alternative payments effectively disadvantages competitors within Apple’s marketplace both throughout Europe and worldwide.
An Analogy: Challenges Faced by Streaming Platforms Over Payment Flexibility
This scenario resembles difficulties encountered by streaming services like Netflix negotiating fees with device manufacturers who control access points but impose restrictive conditions limiting direct user engagement around subscription payments-highlighting broader conflicts between platform gatekeepers and content providers striving for greater monetization autonomy.
The Future Outlook: Evaluating Effects on Developers and Consumers Globally
This policy transformation represents a critical juncture as regulators internationally intensify oversight over dominant tech firms’ control over digital marketplaces more than ever before. While these reforms grant increased freedom for EU-based developers regarding customer interactions and diversified revenue streams, their success hinges largely on clear implementation alongside sustained collaboration among stakeholders working toward fairer global digital ecosystems.
