Apple Overhauls App Store Rules in the EU: Major Changes Ahead!

This evening, Apple has announced the implementation of changes to the App Store regulations within the European Union starting from October 1, 2026. These updates are the result of a cooperative effort with the European Commission and are designed to “resolve disagreements between Apple and the Commission regarding trade terms and alternative distribution.”

This indicates that Apple has reached a settlement with the EU, concluding the legal proceedings related to the non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Previously, in April 2025, Apple was fined 500 million euros. The company had initially made a series of changes to avoid daily penalties and appealed the decision. The subsequent negotiations took place behind the scenes, with the European Commission seeking to amend Apple’s proposals.

The new trade terms introduced by Apple have been greatly simplified through the establishment of a single scheme. Apple has agreed to eliminate the fixed fees of the Core Technology Fee, which is now replaced by the Core Technology Commission, a straightforward 5% commission on transactions made within applications distributed outside of the App Store. The new terms also eliminate the initial acquisition fees and the App Store service fees. Apple has also announced adjustments to its commission rates:

• For App Store applications using Apple’s in-app purchase system, the commission will be 26%. For the vast majority of developers — including those in the “Small Business Program,” the “Mini Apps Partner Program,” or the “Video Partner Program” — as well as for automatic renewal subscriptions after the first year, the rate will be 15%.

• For App Store applications using an alternative payment system, the commission will be 20%. Developers in the aforementioned programs will benefit from a reduced rate of 10%.

• For App Store applications that direct users to an external site to complete purchases, the commission will be 15%. Developers in the aforementioned programs will benefit from a reduced rate of 10%.

• For applications distributed through alternative marketplaces or on the web, Apple will charge a 5% commission for core technologies (“Core Technology Commission”).

The new terms also allow developers to offer Apple’s in-app purchase system alongside other payment options. “However, this capability is subject to presentation requirements designed to ensure a consistent and transparent user experience.” There will also be restrictions and obligations for apps aimed at children:

Applications in the App Store’s “Kids” category will not include links to websites for conducting transactions, to minimize the risks of fraud or scams targeting children.

For users under 18, all App Store applications using an alternative payment system or directing to a website for transactions must incorporate a parental control feature requiring young users to seek the intervention of a parent or guardian before making a purchase.

For users under 13, App Store applications will not direct to websites for transactions, to prevent risks of scams targeting younger individuals.

In EU member states that require parental consent for digital actions by children over 13, these protection measures will be adjusted accordingly.

Finally, Apple has announced a relaxation in the eligibility criteria for operating alternative application marketplaces or distributing applications via the web. Developers will now be eligible if they:

• Meet a moderate criterion of financial stability assessed by Dun & Bradstreet.

• Are publicly traded or owned by a publicly traded company.

• Have received venture capital funding from an established investment firm.

• Have undergone a financial audit conducted by a certified public accountant.

• Are a governmental entity, an educational institution, or a non-profit organization.