On the 18th, Apple announced changes to its business terms for apps in the European Union following consultations with the European Commission (EC). The core of these changes involves a restructuring of fees in the EU, as well as expanded eligibility and fee policies for operating alternative app marketplaces or web distribution. Developers can sign the new terms starting today, with changes taking effect on October 1.

Under the new structure, a single set of business terms will apply to all developers distributing apps in the EU. The Core Technology Fee (CTF), previously charged per first annual install, will be abolished and replaced by a 5% Core Technology Fee (CTC) on digital transactions made outside the App Store. Initial acquisition fees and store service fees will also be eliminated.

App Store commission rates will now vary based on the payment method used. A 26% commission will apply to Apple’s in-app payment system (15% for most developers and participants in the Small Business Program), 20% for external payment processing (10% for program participants), and 15% for payments completed via external links (10% for program participants). Apps distributed through alternative marketplaces or the web will be subject to the 5% Core Technology Fee.

Alongside the fee restructuring, developers are now permitted to offer both in-app and external payment options within their apps. However, they must adhere to specific display requirements to ensure a consistent user experience, and once a payment option (in-app, external processing, or out-linking) is selected, it must be maintained for 12 months.

Child protection measures have also been refined. For apps in the 'Kids' category, purchase flows using alternative payment systems must be placed behind parental verification, and purchase links leading to external websites are prohibited. Users under 13 require parental approval for purchases made via alternative payment methods, and external purchase offers are not permitted. For users aged 13 to 17, both in-app alternative payments and external purchase offers require parental verification. In EU member states where the age of consent is higher than 13, these protective measures will be adjusted accordingly.

Eligibility for operating alternative app marketplaces or web distribution has also been expanded. Entities now qualify if they meet one of the following criteria: they meet financial stability standards, are a publicly traded company (or owned by one), have secured investment from verified investors, have completed a financial audit, or are a government, educational, or non-profit organization. Additionally, eligibility can be granted by providing a $1 million standby letter of credit or by reaching 1 million first annual installs globally.

Notably, the previous requirement for establishing a legal entity or business presence within the EU has been abolished. Marketplace operators with smaller revenues—specifically those with less than €10 million in global revenue and less than €1 million in cumulative revenue over the past 12 months—may be exempt from the Core Technology Fee (CTC). However, Apple maintains that it will continue its notarization process for all externally distributed apps to ensure user safety.

Furthermore, starting in the fall of 2026, a new measure will allow EU users traveling outside the region to continue installing apps from alternative marketplaces and alternative distribution channels for up to 90 days. Detailed information regarding these new options can be found on the Apple Developer support page.