Hajra Naz
Apple has rolled out a new set of developer policy updates to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The announcement came just in time to meet the June 26 deadline. Missing it could have resulted in more fines for the company, which was already hit with a €500 million penalty earlier this year for noncompliance.
What’s Changing?
More Freedom for Developers
Under the updated rules, EU app developers can now direct users to external payment options. That includes links to subscribe or make in-app purchases outside Apple’s App Store.
These links can now appear in multiple places:
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Within an app using native views or web views
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On websites
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In other apps or third-party marketplaces
Importantly, Apple will no longer require developers to display warning screens or use Apple-approved wording when sharing these links.
A New, More Complex Fee System
Instead of eliminating its Core Technology Fee (CTF), Apple has introduced a more layered fee structure:
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Acquisition Fee: 2% on initial user acquisition
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Store Services Fee:
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13% or 5%, depending on the tier
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10% for small businesses
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Tier Breakdown:
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Tier 1 gives access to basic App Store services like manual updates, app reviews, and fraud prevention tools.
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Tier 2 unlocks marketing support, automatic updates, user insights, and content curation tools.
For apps using external payment links, Apple will also apply a Core Technology Commission (CTC)—a 5% fee that replaces the previous €0.50 CTF per install (after 1 million downloads).
Apps already under the CTF will transition to the new CTC system by January 1, 2026.
“The CTC reflects the value Apple provides developers through ongoing investments in the tools, technologies, and services,” Apple said in a statement.
Read More: Latest iOS Update: All the New Features Coming to Apple Apps
Backlash from Developers
Not everyone is happy with the update.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, a long-time critic of Apple, slammed the changes on social media. He called the new structure “malicious compliance,” accusing Apple of trying to maintain control while technically following the law.
“Apps with competing payments are not only taxed but commercially crippled in the App Store,” Sweeney said on X.
What It Means for EU Developers
The new changes give developers more freedom in how they run their businesses, but at a cost. While Apple is loosening some restrictions, it’s also introducing new fees that many developers may struggle to absorb.
As enforcement of the DMA continues, this won’t likely be the last policy shift. Developers, regulators, and Apple itself will be closely watching how the new system plays out in the months ahead.
