Digital Markets Act: Apple is rebuilding App Store in the EU

Apple accommodates the EU Commission and leads Further adjustments in the European App Store through to meet the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This had already emerged, since the group would otherwise have threatened high additional punishments. New tariffs and, above all, opportunities are coming up to developers to market their applications via the Apple software shop and beyond. However, the tariff thicket is difficult to see – only in the coming days will follow further details.

Ctf goes, ctc comes

According to Apple, developers will be able to advertise offers “across all channels” in the future, not just their own websites. This can be both other apps, alternative app marketplaces (as Apple calls alternative app shops) and external websites. In-app content may have a native UI and in-app web views, for example to advertise for purchases. Developers can also use any URLs, no longer just static – tracking is also allowed, as is redirects. On the left and advertising may be “freely designed”, Apple continues. The dialogues in which Apple also points out that the users leave the App Store (“Scare Sheets”) are less-they can also be hidden by opt-out. Also the installation of alternative app marketplaces is simplified And less difficult for users.

At the same time, Apple also changes its fees-sometimes now and partly on January 1, 2026. This applies to all developers, regardless of whether they drive directly, use the app store for in-app sales or use alternative app market places. The controversial “Core Technology Fee” (CTF) for “digital goods and services” is no longer necessary from January 1. It is replaced by a “Core Technology Commission” (CTC) and an “Initial Acquisition Fee”. This is 2 percent on sales of digital goods and servants “by new users” within six months of the first download of an app. The CTC does not have to pay developers as part of the “Small Business Program” (under one million US dollar sales per year). The CTC does not have to be paid for users who already exist.

SWEENEY: “Commercially crippled”

Furthermore, Apple will introduce two new “animal” as “Store Service Fee”. For 5 percent commission (Tier One) there are basic services such as “app sales and app delivery”, security functions and app management. For 13 percent (Tier Two), “all services from today’s App Store” are included. What this means in concrete terms has to be shown. According to the 9to5mac, there is also another tariff level of the CTC, which is apparently permanently sold when alternative ways are sold: you Should 5 percent be. Confusingly, there will initially be CTC and CTF at the same time, and Apple has two different “terms” (standard and alternative), which also confuses developers.

In a first reaction, Apple immediately criticized: Epic boss Tim Sweeney, who has been in the legal dispute with Apple for years, wrote on xApple’s adjustments are “Malicious Compliance”, competing payment methods would not only be taxed, but also “commercially crippled”.