Apple updates the rules for its EU App Store by adding more complicated fees

Core Points - Apple announced updates to its developer policies to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) ahead of the June 26 deadline to avoid fines [1][2] - The updates include new "anti-steering" rules allowing EU app developers to link to alternative payment methods outside the App Store [3] - Apple introduced a new fee structure, replacing the Core Technology Fee (CTF) with an initial acquisition fee of 2% and a store services fee of either 13% or 5% based on developer tiers [4][5] Developer Fee Structure - The new fee structure includes a Core Technology Commission (CTC) that will replace the CTF, with a 5% commission for developers on standard terms in the EU [6][7] - Developers previously paying the CTF of €0.50 per app install after 1 million downloads will transition to the new rules by January 1, 2026 [7] - Tier 1 developers have limited access to App Store services, while Tier 2 developers gain access to more comprehensive tools and features [5] Industry Reaction - Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple's compliance with the DMA, labeling it as "malicious compliance" and arguing it undermines fair competition in digital markets [8]