Apple simplifies App Store commission rules for EU developers and expands alternative distribution terms

Apple published EU-specific App Store terms that take effect October 1. The company simplified several legacy fees and replaced a per-install Core Technology Fee with a percentage-based Core Technology Commission of 5% on digital transactions for apps distributed outside the App Store.

New commission structure — concrete numbers

• Apple In-App Purchase (IAP): 26% standard commission. For most developers, certain partner programs, and auto-renewing subscriptions after the first year, the rate will be 15%.

• Alternative in-app payment processing: 20% standard commission. Developers in specified programs (App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, Video Partner Program) pay 10%.

• Apps distributed via alternative marketplaces or the web: 5% Core Technology Commission.

Apple also eliminated the initial acquisition fee and the store services fee as part of the simplification.

The reduced 15% or 10% rates apply to developers in defined Apple programs: the App Store Small Business Program, the Mini Apps Partner Program, and the Video Partner Program. Auto-renewing subscriptions switch to the 15% rate after their first year.

Developers can present Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options, either within the app or via links to the web, provided they follow Apple's presentation requirements. Once a developer chooses payment options, Apple requires those options to remain in place for 12 months.

Child-safety and age-based restrictions

Apple introduced specific protections tied to alternative payments and link-outs for younger users:

• Apps in the Kids category may not include links to websites to complete transactions.
• For users under 18, App Store apps that use alternative payment processing or link out to websites for transactions must include a parental gate requiring parent or guardian involvement before purchases.
• For users under 13, App Store apps cannot link out to websites for transactions.

Apple said these protections will scale in EU member states where parental consent rules for digital actions apply to children older than 13.

Expanded eligibility for alternative marketplaces and web distribution

Apple warned that web distribution lacks the ongoing oversight a marketplace operator provides and can allow malicious actors to operate longer before being detected. Consequently, apps distributed via alternative channels will still need to pass Apple's Notarization process.

A European Commission spokesperson told Bloomberg the Commission welcomes Apple's changes, saying they follow a close dialogue with Apple and that the Commission will monitor how Apple implements the new terms.

• Review the new rates and map how each app's payment flow would be classified under Apple's categories.
• If you rely on alternative payments or link-outs, plan for presentation requirements and the 12-month lock on chosen options.
• If you target minors, update purchase flows to include parental gates or remove link-outs where required.
• If you aim to operate an alternative marketplace or pursue web distribution, prepare to meet the financial, governance, and audit requirements and follow notarization rules.