{
  "id": 2049829,
  "title": "EU Welcomes Apple's App Store Changes, Epic Slams 'Junk Fees'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/eu-welcomes-apples-app-store-changes-epic-slams-junk-fees",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-20T00:16:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MacRumors",
    "slug": "macrumors",
    "url": "https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/19/ec-epic-apple-app-store-changes/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The European Union welcomed Apple's recent updates to its App Store fees in the EU, which aim to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and resolve disputes with the European Commission. Apple reduced its Core Technology Fee and streamlined its pricing structure, making apps distributed through alternative marketplaces or the web pay less. Apple claimed the changes were the result of close collaboration with the EC, stating they would resolve disagreements over business terms and alternative distribution.\n\nThe European Commission confirmed its approval of Apple's modifications to its App Store policies, following extensive dialogue between the two entities. The EC expressed satisfaction with the updates and pledged to monitor Apple's implementation of the new terms, which will take effect on October 1.\n\nHowever, Apple's legal opponent, Epic Games, expressed dissatisfaction with the new fee structure. Epic Games contends that Apple's revised terms do not comply with the DMA and deems them ineffective in promoting competition within the mobile app ecosystem. Apple announced new fees for alternative in-app payments, purchases made outside apps, and Core Technology Commission on payments made in apps downloaded from alternative stores or the web.\n\nUnder the DMA, users in the EU have the right to access alternative app distribution channels. The EC intends to continue monitoring Apple's implementation of the new terms, which will be enforced starting October 1. Epic Games will be charged a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital purchases through its Epic Games Store on iPhone and iPad in the EU, while apps distributed through the App Store with link-out options will incur a 15% fee. Apple plans to offer lower rates for Small Business Program, Video Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program participants, as well as waiving the Core Technology Commission for small marketplaces.",
  "summary": "Apple yesterday updated its App Store fees in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act and to put an end to its ongoing conflict with the European Commission. Apple cut the Core Technology Fee and simplified its pricing structure, so apps distributed through alternative marketplaces or through the web will pay less than before. When announcing the changes, Apple said it worked in \"close…",
  "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."
}