Apple has introduced new terms and conditions for apps in the European Union. These resolve the disagreements with the European Commission and replace the previous installation fee with a commission. They will take effect on October 1st.
Following close collaboration with the European Commission, Apple has announced changes to its app terms and conditions in the EU. The announcement in the Apple Newsroom states that the goal is to resolve disagreements over terms and conditions and alternative distribution channels, and to reduce complexity. Apple's gatekeeper status, which obligates it to implement such changes, was confirmed by the EU General Court in July.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The new conditions apply uniformly to all developers who distribute apps in the EU.
- Developers can agree immediately; the rules will come into effect on October 1st.
- The Core Technology Fee is being replaced by the Core Technology Commission: five percent on digital transactions outside the App Store.
- The purchase fee and the fee for in-store services are waived – both came from the model that was only announced for 2025.
- For the first time, Apple in-app purchases and alternative payment options can be offered side by side.
Uniform conditions instead of special arrangements
Apple will now charge a commission on the sale of digital goods and services. The previous Core Technology Fee – a per-install fee for developers with exceptional reach – will be replaced by the Core Technology Commission, a five percent commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store.
Additionally, the initial purchase fee and the service fee for apps in the store are waived. Apple adjusts the commission rates themselves, explaining that the tiered structure reflects the different ways the company creates added value for apps.
What is omitted from the old model
The Core Technology Fee was 50 cents for each annual first-time installation above one million – regardless of whether the app generated revenue. Apple describes it on its developer support page and had already announced there that it would be replaced by the revenue-based Core Technology Commission.
This change was originally planned for January 1, 2026. Along with the switchover, two additional fees were announced in June 2025: a two percent initial acquisition fee on purchases by new users in the first six months, and a tiered fee for store services of five or 13 percent, depending on the chosen service package. It is precisely these two items that will be eliminated under the now-presented terms – leaving only a commission per sales channel.
What is omitted compared to the announced model
The two eliminated fees were not legacy issues, but rather part of a model that Apple had only introduced in June 2025. The information provided to developers at that time included an initial acquisition fee and a store services fee for transactions outside the App Store, in addition to the Core Technology Commission fee.
The same announcement stated January 1, 2026, as the date by which all developers in the EU should switch to a uniform business model. This change will now take effect on October 1 – and without the two additional fees.
The replaced Core Technology Fee affected developers regardless of revenue: According to Apple's own description, it was charged for every first annual installation above one million. The new commission, however, is tied to actual sales.
The new commission rates
| Distribution channel | Commission | Reduced rate |
|---|---|---|
| App Store with Apple in-app purchases | 26 percent | 15 percent |
| App Store with alternative payment processing | 20 percent | 10 percent |
| App Store with link for in-app purchases | 15 percent | 10 percent |
| Alternative marketplaces or sales via the internet | 5 percent | — |
The discounted rate applies to participants in the App Store Small Business Program, the Mini Apps Partner Program, and the Video Partner Program. For Apple in-app purchases, the 15 percent discount also applies to subscriptions that automatically renew after the first year.
Both payment methods side by side
Until now, it was not permitted in the EU to offer Apple in-app purchases and alternative payment options simultaneously. This is changing: developers will now be able to combine both, with Apple setting guidelines for how they are displayed to ensure a consistent and transparent experience.
The options are Apple in-app purchases, alternative in-app payment methods, redirection to the internet, or a combination thereof. For you as a user, this means more choices at checkout – but only where developers offer them. Once you choose an option, you must keep it for twelve months.
Protective measures for children
Together with the Commission, Apple is implementing rules designed to protect children when using alternative payment methods, similar to those in other markets. Apps in the "Children's" category do not contain links to websites where transactions can be carried out.
For users under 18, apps with alternative payment methods or transaction links must include a safeguarding mechanism requiring parental involvement before a purchase. For users under 13, links to transaction pages are prohibited. Where EU member states require parental consent for digital activities for those over 13, these measures apply up to the respective age limit.
Who will be allowed to operate a marketplace in the future
Apple has expanded the pool of potential operators of alternative app marketplaces and providers for online distribution. Qualified companies must meet Dun & Bradstreet's minimum requirements for financial stability, be publicly traded or part of a publicly traded company, have received venture capital from an established investment firm, have undergone a financial audit by a licensed auditor, or be a government, educational, or non-profit organization.
According to Apple, online distribution, which is only available in the EU, lacks a marketplace operator and therefore ongoing oversight. This means a malicious actor could remain active for a long time before being detected. For this reason, notarization remains mandatory: a basic review of functionality and serious threats for every app distributed outside the App Store.
What this means for users in DACH
The rules apply to the European Union. Germany and Austria are included, but Switzerland, as a non-member, is not – alternative marketplaces, online sales, and alternative payment processing remain excluded there.
For you in Germany and Austria, the most noticeable difference isn't so much the commission rate, but rather the choice of payment methods. Whether a provider uses these methods and whether this results in a lower price is decided by each app individually.
Six weeks until the switchover
Developers have until October 1st to choose their model and agree to the new terms. Apple provides detailed documentation on its developer support page.
If an app offers a cheaper payment method, would you choose the provider's option – or would you stick with your Apple account because subscription management and refunds are conveniently located there? Let us know in the comments what's more important to you.
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