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Starting on October 1st 2026, iOS users and developers in the European Union will operate under a single, simplified new business model on the App Store. This will resolve the long-standing antitrust disputes between big tech and the European Commission, under the regulatory pressure of the EU Digital Markets Act. The new terms and fees when opting for a product (app or game) in the App Store have been put in place by Apple after months of extensive consultations with the European Commission. This new single set of developer terms Apple will introduce across the EU is similar to the regulations the company already offers in Japan and Brazil.
What is Apple introducing?
Single Unified Business Terms: A single set of business terms for every developer that distributes their apps and games in the European Union.
New Commission Tier Structure:
26% Commission for App Store apps using Apple In-App Purchase (15% for Small Businesses, Mini Apps, or Video Partner programs, and 2nd-year auto-renewing subscriptions).
20% Commission for App Store apps using alternative payment processing (10% for eligible partner programs / small developers).
15% Commission for App Store apps that link out to complete purchases (10% for eligible partner programs / small developers).
5% Core Technology Commission on digital transactions for apps distributed via alternative app marketplaces or the web.
Co-Existing Combined Payment Options: Developers can now offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options in the EU (a selection that must be maintained for 12 months).
Expanded Marketplace Access and Eligibility: Broader eligibility rules to operate alternative app marketplaces or distribute apps via the web.
Enhanced Child Safety Safeguards on Protections for Alternative Payments:
Prohibition of external web links for purchases in the apps and games in the Kids category or products designed for users under 13 years old.
Required parental gates for users under 18 prior to using alternative payments or external link-outs.
What is Apple phasing out?
The Core Technology Fee (also known as the Per-Install Fee): The fee for high-scale developers has been eliminated and replaced by a 5% Core Technology Commission.
Initial Acquisition Fee: Completely eliminated under the new terms.
Store Services Fee: Completely eliminated under the new terms.
The fact that Apple has bowed to regulatory enforcement and agreed to apply these new terms and fees makes the big tech giant more in line with the EU competition rules, which aim to level the playing field between big tech and other players.
The response of Brussels to Apple simplified terms and fees
The European Commission has welcomed the changes to Apple’s terms and conditions. As this marks a victory and reinforces the EU power in regulations, after lengthy and intense dialogue between the EU institution and tech firm. However, the institution is cautious and will strictly monitor how Apple applies these changes. For the European Commission, this change in Apple’s terms and conditions is a major win. It shows that Brussels can get a tech giant to adapt its business model, rules and regulations. In sync, this win for the EU comes at the same time that the US has been critical of the EU regulations over tech giants, blocking technological progress.
The relationship between Apple and the European Commission
Despite this win, the negotiations between Apple and the EU are not quite done. This is because the EU could still pass a fine to Apple for a violation of its rules, which can be up to 10% of the company’s annual revenue. There has been tons of back and forth between the technology giant and Brussels in the last months. Especially through the Digital Markets Act (DMA), as Apple was fined €500M for not complying with it and is facing the threat of additional fines.
FAQ
What is changing about Apple’s App Store terms in the EU?
Starting October 1, 2026, Apple is introducing a single, unified set of business terms for every developer distributing apps and games in the EU. This replaces the more complex system Apple had used since the Digital Markets Act came into effect, and brings the region in line with terms already offered in Japan and Brazil.
What are the new commission rates?
The rate depends on how a developer processes payments. Apps using Apple’s In-App Purchase system will pay 26% (15% for small businesses, mini apps, video partners, and second-year subscriptions). Apps using alternative payment processing will pay 20% (10% for eligible partners), and apps that link out to complete purchases elsewhere will pay 15% (10% for eligible partners). A 5% Core Technology Commission applies to digital transactions made through alternative marketplaces or the web.
Can developers still use Apple’s In-App Purchase system alongside other payment options?
Yes. Developers can now offer Apple’s In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options within the EU. Once a developer selects a combination, they need to maintain it for 12 months.
What fees is Apple removing?
Three fees are being phased out: the Core Technology Fee (also known as the Per-Install Fee), the Initial Acquisition Fee, and the Store Services Fee. The Core Technology Fee is being replaced by the new 5% Core Technology Commission.
Are there new protections for younger users?
Yes. Apps in the Kids category, or those designed for users under 13, can’t include external web links for purchases. Users under 18 will also need to pass a parental gate before using alternative payments or external link-outs.
Does this resolve Apple’s dispute with the European Commission?
It’s a significant step, but not the final word. The Commission has welcomed the changes and sees them as a win for EU tech regulation, but it will continue monitoring how Apple applies the new terms. Apple was already fined €500 million in 2025 for breaching the Digital Markets Act, and further penalties, of up to 10% of annual revenue, remain a possibility if the Commission isn’t satisfied.
Why did Apple make these changes?
The updated terms follow months of consultations with the European Commission under pressure from the Digital Markets Act. By simplifying its fee structure and expanding marketplace access, Apple is aligning its EU operations more closely with the bloc’s competition rules.
