On Thursday, Apple announced updates to its developer policies in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), just ahead of the June 26 deadline to avoid potential fines. These changes affect both app developers’ communication with customers and the fees charged by Apple.
Previously, Apple was fined €500 million for noncompliance with the DMA and faced threats of additional penalties, prompting this update.
With the new “anti-steering” rules, EU app developers can now link to alternative payment methods for subscriptions and in-app purchases outside the App Store. This allows them to share links via websites, alternative app marketplaces, or within other apps without needing the warning screens or text Apple previously mandated.
Instead of eliminating its Core Technology Fee (CTF), Apple has introduced a more complex fee structure. It includes an initial acquisition fee of 2% and a store services fee of either 13% or 5%, depending on the developer’s chosen tier. Small Business program members are charged a reduced rate of 10%. Tier 1 developers receive limited App Store services, while Tier 2 developers gain access to marketing tools, automatic updates, and additional features.
For apps linking to alternative payment methods via the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (EU) Addendum, a new Core Technology Commission (CTC) will replace the CTF. Developers who previously paid the CTF of €0.50 per app install after hitting 1 million downloads will continue under the new rules, which will take effect by January 1, 2026.
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Apple stated, “The CTC reflects the value Apple provides developers through ongoing investments in tools, technologies, and services.”
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose company successfully sued Apple for alternative payment rights in the U.S., criticized the updates on X, describing them as “malicious compliance” that undermines fair competition in digital markets. He argued that apps using competing payment systems are not only taxed but also commercially disadvantaged in the App Store.
