Apple Alters EU App Store Policies to Avoid $585M Fine, Adds New Fees Amid DMA Pressure

Apple announced new App Store policies in Europe Thursday, aiming to avoid a 500 million euro fine under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The changes add a “core technology commission” of 5 percent on digital purchases made outside the App Store and maintain complex fee structures, with some developers now paying up to three fees per download. Apple said it disagrees with the EU’s ruling but will comply under pressure of daily fines of up to 50 million euros. The European Commission is reviewing Apple’s changes for compliance and seeking feedback from developers, including critics such as Spotify and Epic Games, who argue that Apple’s new approach undermines the DMA’s intent. In the U.S., Apple’s steering restrictions were recently overturned, allowing developers to bypass App Store commissions.