Apple changes EU app store terms

U.S. technology giant Apple has changed its commercial terms for app developers in the European Union (EU) as part of efforts to resolve its disputes with the bloc.

In a statement, Apple said it had updated its business terms for apps in the EU following close cooperation with the European Commission.

The company said the changes resolve its disagreements with the Commission over commercial terms and alternative app distribution methods, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Apple said the process would be simplified by placing all developers distributing apps in the EU under a single set of terms. The new rules will take effect on October 1.

The company also announced that the Core Technology Fee, which was charged per app installation, would be eliminated. Instead, Apple will introduce a 5 percent commission on digital transactions involving apps distributed outside the App Store.

According to the statement, the commission rates will be 26 percent for Apple’s in-app purchase system, 20 percent for alternative payment systems and 15 percent for payments made through external links directing users to a developer’s website.

Lower commission rates will apply to small businesses, developers participating in the Mini Apps Partner Program and Video Partner Program, as well as automatically renewing subscriptions after their first year.

Apple also emphasized that developers will now be able to offer alternative payment systems alongside Apple’s own in-app purchasing system.

The company said additional measures would apply to protect children. External-link payments will be prohibited for children’s apps on the App Store, while purchase links directing users under the age of 13 to websites will not be permitted. For users under 18, parental approval will be required for transactions involving alternative payment systems or external links.

Photo: Chat GPT