Apple Unveils New EU App Store Fees and Policies in Major Shakeup
Apple has introduced new fees and policies for the European Union’s App Store as part of a significant overhaul to comply with EU regulations and foster a more open app ecosystem. These changes affect how developers monetize and manage their apps within the region.
New Charges for Developers
Developers who utilize web payment methods on the App Store will now encounter several new fees, including:
- Initial Acquisition fee
- Store Services fee
- Core Technology Commission
Restrictions on Developer Independence
Apple has also placed restrictions that prevent developers from independently managing key aspects such as:
- App delivery
- App management
- User engagement
- App curation
These limitations aim to balance user experience with developer independence but introduce additional complexity and costs for app makers in the EU.
Context and Industry Impact
The policy update occurs amidst increasing regulatory pressure on Apple to open its tightly controlled App Store ecosystem in Europe. The company is making these adjustments to meet demands for greater transparency and improved choice for both consumers and developers.
This shakeup represents a major shift in how apps are distributed and monetized in Europe, potentially influencing app prices, availability, innovation, and competition across the region’s digital marketplace.
Industry stakeholders are watching closely to see how these changes will play out, and more updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
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