Apple lowers developer App Store fees in EU for DMA compliance

Apple is reducing its App Store fees for developers in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a set of regulations aimed at promoting fair competition in digital markets. The changes include replacing Apple's Core Technology Fee (CTF) with a 5% commission on digital transactions for apps distributed outside the App Store.

This new fee replaces existing charges such as the initial acquisition fee and a store services fee. Other fee reductions include lowering commissions for apps using Apple's in-app payment feature from 30% to 26%, and charging a 20% commission for apps using alternative payment processing. Additionally, a 5% fee will be applied for apps distributed through alternative app marketplaces or the web.

These changes, effective from October 1st, are part of Apple's efforts to address EU concerns regarding its app marketplace ecosystem, which the bloc has been urging to open up to third-party payment providers and offer more flexibility to developers. The European Commission welcomed Apple's modifications and will monitor their implementation.

Apple opened its App Store in Brazil and Japan following regulatory pressure, but noted that the DMA poses significant risks to users in the EU. Last year, Apple faced a €500 million fine from the Commission for restricting developers from promoting alternative offers outside its App Store.