Apple Alters EU App Store Rules Again: What Changes Under the Digital Markets Act?

Apple has recently introduced new guidelines for its App Store in the European Union to align with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), following a hefty penalty of 500 million euros imposed at the end of April. Apple now allows developers to inform customers about purchasing options available outside the App Store:

Today, we are rolling out updated terms that allow app developers on the EU’s App Store platforms to communicate and promote purchasing options for digital goods or services on their preferred platform. This could be a website, an alternative app platform, or another app, accessible directly through the app itself or through a web or native interface.

However, Apple will continue to charge fees for transactions made through these means. By January 1, 2026, the existing Core Technology Fee (CTF) of fifty cents per transaction will be discontinued. Instead, Apple will introduce the Core Technology Commission (CTC), transitioning from fixed fees to a commission rate of 5%. Links to the detailed terms—which are complex—are available on this page.

App Store apps that communicate and promote offers for digital goods or services will be subject to new commercial terms for these transactions: initial acquisition fees, service fees, and, for apps included in the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (EU) addendum, the Core Technology Commission (CTC). The CTC reflects the added value that Apple provides to developers through continuous investment in tools, technology, and services that enable them to create and share innovative applications with users.

In a statement to MacRumors, Apple stated, “The European Commission requires Apple to make a series of additional changes to the App Store. We disagree with this decision and plan to appeal.”