Apple has officially revised its developer policies to align with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Announced this Thursday, the regulatory updates arrive just before the June 26 deadline, effectively shielding the tech giant from potential new fines. These changes fundamentally alter how developers interact with customers and how the company structures its commission fees.
New Anti-Steering Rules and Payment Flexibility
Under the updated “anti-steering” guidelines, EU-based developers gain significantly more freedom. They are now permitted to link to alternative payment methods for subscriptions and in-app purchases across various channels, including websites, third-party marketplaces, and within their own applications.
Crucially, Apple has removed the mandatory warning screens and specific text requirements previously imposed on these links. Developers can now implement these payment redirects via native experiences or web views, streamlining the user journey outside of the traditional App Store billing ecosystem.
A More Complex Fee Architecture
Rather than eliminating the controversial Core Technology Fee (CTF), Apple has introduced a more intricate financial framework. The new structure comprises an initial 2% acquisition fee alongside a tiered “store services fee.”
- Tier 1 (13% or 5%): Provides access to essential services like app reviews, manual updates, and fraud prevention.
- Small Business Program: Participants in this program pay a 10% rate.
- Tier 2: Offers a broader suite of tools, including marketing assets, automatic updates, curation, and advanced app insights. Detailed information on these tiers is available through Apple’s developer resources.
The Transition to Core Technology Commission (CTC)
For applications utilizing alternative payment methods via the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement, Apple is rolling out the Core Technology Commission (CTC). This charge is designed to eventually phase out the existing CTF.
While developers currently operating under alternative EU business terms will continue to pay the €0.50 fee per install after reaching the 1 million download threshold, those on standard terms will face a 5% CTC. Apple has set a hard deadline of January 1, 2026, for all developers currently paying the old CTF to migrate to these new regulatory terms.
In an official statement, Apple defended the new commission structure, claiming it “reflects the value Apple provides developers through ongoing investments in the tools, technologies, and services” necessary for app innovation.
Industry Backlash: “Malicious Compliance”
The reception from industry leaders has been sharply critical. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, a vocal opponent of Apple’s App Store policies, publicly condemned the move as a classic case of “malicious compliance.”
Sweeney argued that the new scheme is “blatantly unlawful” in both the U.S. and Europe, asserting that the changes serve to cripple fair competition. According to his assessment, apps that opt for competing payment systems remain heavily taxed and commercially disadvantaged, effectively rendering the DMA’s intended benefits moot.