Apple adjusts App Store commissions in EU to comply with Digital Markets Act
In an attempt to resolve its ongoing disputes with the European Commission, Apple has announced an extensive overhaul of its fee system for app distribution within the European Union.
The restructuring is intended to bring the company’s practices into line with the rules of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). As a result, all EU developers fall under a consistent package of commercial terms.
From 1 October, Apple will gradually phase out its previous acquisition and store service fees. Instead, a ‘core technology commission’ of 5% will be applied to digital transactions for apps that originate from the internet or from third-party marketplaces. This replaces the previous fee per installation.
For apps hosted in the official App Store that use Apple’s payment tools, the commission is set at 26%, while apps that use independent payment processors will be charged 20%. In addition, a reduced rate of 15% applies to developers who direct their customers to external sites to complete transactions.
Certain developers, including those participating in the Mini Apps, Video Partner or Small Business programmes, are eligible for additional discounts. The company is also lowering commission rates for subscriptions that are automatically renewed after the first year.
This policy change follows a tense period of legal disputes over the DMA, which requires large technology companies to allow developers to inform users about alternative payment methods and prices.
The changes come shortly after the European Commission imposed a fine of €500 million on Apple in April 2025. According to the Commission, the company had unlawfully hindered developers from promoting cheaper options outside the platform. The EU had demanded that Apple cease these restrictive practices and allow developers to advertise external offers free of charge.
Although Apple has long claimed that its high commissions, previously 15-30%, are necessary to maintain app security, privacy and review standards, opponents have argued that such a monopoly hampers market competition and places an unfair financial burden on software developers.
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