Apple unveiled a new fee structure for apps distributed in the European Union on August 18, 2026, to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The changes take effect October 1, 2026, and replace the previous Core Technology Fee with a 5% commission on digital transactions occurring outside Apple's App Store, including sales through third-party stores or web distribution [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8].
Apps using Apple's in-app purchase system will pay a reduced commission of 26%, down from the former 30% standard [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Developers who qualify for certain programs—including the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, or Video Partner Program—or who have auto-renewing subscriptions after the first year will pay a lowered commission of 15% on Apple in-app purchases [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8].
For apps using alternative payment processing within the App Store, the commission will be 20%, or 10% for qualifying developers under discounted programs [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Apps linking to external websites to complete purchases will owe Apple a 15% commission, or 10% for developers who qualify for a reduced rate [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Developers must commit to their chosen payment method for at least 12 months [2, 8]. Apple also removed the initial acquisition fee and store services fee under the old system [1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8].
In addition, the overhaul lets EU developers distribute iPhone apps outside the App Store through third-party app stores or direct web distribution, subject to financial stability and notarization requirements from Apple [8]. To protect children, apps in the Kids category cannot link to external purchase websites, and users under 18 must get parental approval before buying via alternative or external payments [1, 2, 6, 7, 8].
The revised fees come after the European Commission fined Apple €500 million in April 2025 for violating the DMA's anti-steering provisions, which restricted developers’ ability to guide users to cheaper external offers [2, 5, 6, 7]. Apple said the new EU terms align with conditions already required in markets like Japan and Brazil [1, 3, 5]. Epic Games criticized the changes, calling the new fees "junk fees" and saying they "do nothing to open up the mobile app ecosystem to competition, as required by Digital Market Act" [3].
The new fee structure and policies will take effect on October 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in how Apple regulates app payments and distribution in the European Union [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
