Apple is moving developers that distribute apps in the European Union to a unified set of business terms on October 1, 2026. The new framework changes how Apple charges for App Store distribution, alternative payments, and apps distributed outside the App Store.
The biggest change is the end of Apple's per-install Core Technology Fee. It will be replaced by a 5 percent Core Technology Commission on digital transactions completed through apps distributed outside the App Store.
One Set of Terms for EU App Distribution
Apple says the unified framework is intended to reduce the complexity created by separate business options for developers operating in the EU. Developers can agree to the new terms before they take effect on October 1.
The rules cover developers using the App Store, alternative payment processing, alternative marketplaces, and direct distribution from a developer's website. The exact commission depends on how an app is distributed and how payments are processed.
The Core Technology Fee Is Being Replaced
Under the previous EU terms, qualifying apps could be charged a Core Technology Fee based on installations after reaching certain scale thresholds. Apple is replacing that model with the Core Technology Commission.
The new commission is 5 percent of digital transactions made through apps distributed outside the App Store. Apple is also removing the initial acquisition fee and store services fee from the unified terms.
Updated Commission Rates
Apple lists the following rates under the new framework:
- Apple In-App Purchase: A standard commission of 26 percent.
- Eligible developers and subscriptions: A reduced 15 percent rate for qualifying programs and auto-renewing subscriptions after their first year.
- Alternative payment processing: A standard commission of 20 percent.
- Eligible developers using alternative payments: A reduced rate of 10 percent.
- Apps distributed outside the App Store: A 5 percent Core Technology Commission on digital transactions.
These percentages apply to different distribution and payment arrangements, so developers should not compare them without checking which services and eligibility programs apply to their apps.
More Flexibility for Payment Options
The updated terms give EU developers more flexibility to combine Apple's payment system with alternative payment methods. Apps can also continue to use alternative marketplaces or direct web distribution where the relevant requirements are met.
Developers should review Apple's documentation before changing their payment flow. Commission eligibility, reporting obligations, user disclosures, and safeguards can differ depending on the selected arrangement.
Why Apple Is Changing the EU Rules
Apple announced the changes after discussions with the European Commission concerning business terms and alternative app distribution under the Digital Markets Act. The European Commission has said it will monitor how the new terms are implemented.
The framework simplifies the number of available business models, but it does not remove Apple's commissions from external transactions. Developers will need to compare the new costs with their existing arrangement before accepting the revised terms.
What Developers Should Do Before October 1
- Identify whether the app uses Apple In-App Purchase, alternative processing, or external distribution.
- Check eligibility for Apple's reduced commission programs.
- Estimate costs using the new transaction-based structure.
- Review Apple's EU developer support documentation before accepting the terms.
- Confirm whether payment screens, reporting, or user disclosures need to change.
Comments
Post a Comment