{
  "id": 1754669,
  "title": "Apple Lowers App Store Fees In Europe to Settle Dispute With EU",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/apple-lowers-app-store-fees-in-europe-to-settle-dispute-with-eu",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-18T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Slashdot",
    "slug": "slashdot",
    "url": "https://apple.slashdot.org/story/26/08/18/1659220/apple-lowers-app-store-fees-in-europe-to-settle-dispute-with-eu"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple is revising its App Store fees in the European Union to resolve a dispute with the EU Commission under the Digital Markets Act. The new fee structure aims to streamline terms and address disagreements over business practices and alternative distribution methods. Developers can adopt the revised terms immediately, with the changes becoming effective on October 1. According to MacRumors, Apple will eliminate the initial acquisition fee and store services fee for apps distributed outside the App Store, replacing them with a 5% Core Technology Commission for digital purchases. The rates for alternative payments and apps distributed through non-Apple marketplaces or the web will also see adjustments. Developers in the EU will now have the option to offer in-app purchases alongside alternative payment methods, a change not previously permitted. Apple will enforce presentation requirements to ensure users have a consistent and transparent experience. Developers distributing apps in the EU must select their payment options and retain them for a period of 12 months to maintain consistency and clarity for users. Apple's payment process will continue to include Notarization for apps downloaded via the web and alternative app marketplaces. However, apps intended for children under 13 will not feature links to external websites for transactions. All apps utilizing alternative payment processing or directing users to web transactions must incorporate a parental gate. Apple is also easing the regulations surrounding the establishment of alternative app marketplaces.",
  "summary": "Apple is overhauling its EU App Store fees to settle its Digital Markets Act dispute, simplifying the fee structure and \"[resolving] Apple's disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative distribution.\" Developers can sign the new terms starting today, and the changes go into effect on October 1. MacRumors reports: The initial acquisition fee and store services fee are…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}