Apple Overhauls EU App Store Fees to Settle DMA Dispute

Apple Inc. announced a comprehensive revision of its business terms for app developers in the European Union, effective October 1, 2026. The overhaul aims to resolve disputes with the European Commission regarding the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and follows a 500 million euro fine imposed on the company in April 2025 for anti-steering breaches.

The new structure replaces the per-install Core Technology Fee with a 5% Core Technology Commission for apps distributed via the web or third-party marketplaces. For apps within the App Store, commissions are now tiered: 26% for those using Apple In-App Purchase, 20% for alternative in-app payment processing, and 15% for apps linking to external websites for payment. Reduced rates of 10% to 15% are available for developers in specific programs, such as the Small Business Program. Apple also expanded eligibility for third-party marketplace operators and introduced new child-safety parental gates for users under 18.

The European Commission welcomed the changes, noting they follow a close dialogue after non-compliance decisions were issued in April 2025. The regulator stated it will monitor the effective implementation of the new terms to avoid further penalties, including potential daily fines of 50 million euros.

However, Epic Games and the Coalition for App Fairness criticized the move, characterizing the new commissions as junk fees. Epic Games argued that if the Commission accepts these terms, the DMA will become meaningless as the ecosystem remains closed to true competition.