Apple Loosens EU App Store Rules—What It Means for Developers

Apple has announced a sweeping overhaul of its App Store guidelines and business terms in the European Union. This move signals the Cupertino tech giant’s latest efforts to comply with the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The changes, effective immediately, expand the freedom developers have when distributing apps in EU countries—regardless of whether they opt into Apple’s alternative business terms.

Major Policy Changes for Developers

Until now, developers in the EU were limited to a single static link directing users to an external website, with strict constraints on tracking parameters, redirects, and UI design. Promotional messaging was also confined to the developer’s own site.

Under the new rules, all of those restrictions have been lifted:

• Developers can promote offers across all channels, including external websites, other apps, and alternative app marketplaces.
• Promotions can now be run or displayed within apps using native UI or web views, giving developers greater control over how offers are presented.
• The single static link restriction has been removed. Developers can now include multiple links with tracking parameters, redirects, and other elements that were previously disallowed.

In addition, the controversial “Scare Sheet” disclosure—which previously appeared when users tapped external links—has been modified. Now, users can opt out of future warnings after viewing the disclosure once within an app.

These policy changes apply to all developers in the EU, not just those using Apple’s alternative business terms.

Updated Business Terms

Apple has also revamped its App Store fee structure in the region. These updates apply only to apps using web links or in-app alternative payment options, not those distributed through alternative app marketplaces or using only static text promotions.

Initial Acquisition Fee

• Apple will charge a 2% fee on digital goods and services sold to new users via the App Store.
• This applies to the first six months after a user downloads the app.
• Exemptions include developers in the Small Business Program and existing users who downloaded the app previously.

Store Services Fee

Apple now offers two fee tiers:

• Tier One (5%) – Includes basic App Store services like:
  • App distribution and delivery
  • Trust and safety features
  • App management

Excludes automatic updates, App Store promotions, search suggestions, and personalized recommendations.

• Tier Two (13%), reduced to 10% for small developers and long-term subscribers – Includes full access to all App Store services.

Core Technology Fee vs. Core Technology Commission

Currently, developers who adopt Apple’s alternative EU terms are subject to a €0.50 Core Technology Fee per annual install over 1 million. This structure will remain unchanged for now.

However, developers using standard terms will now pay a 5% Core Technology Commission on in-app sales made through alternative payment systems.

Apple also confirmed that beginning January 1, 2026, it will phase out the Core Technology Fee and transition fully to a sales-based Core Technology Commission model.

Apple’s Response and Next Steps

In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple expressed dissatisfaction with the European Commission’s requirements:

The European Commission is requiring Apple to make a series of additional changes to the App Store. We disagree with this outcome and plan to appeal.

This follows a long history of friction between Apple and EU regulators. Earlier this year, Apple was fined €500 million over alleged App Store violations.

Apple claims that although it has done everything in its capacity to work closely with the EU, it’s still being subjected to complex compliance requirements and the threat of hefty fines. The company has until July 7 to officially file its appeal.

What Do You Think? What’s your take on Apple’s new App Store terms in the EU? Could this set a precedent for global changes? Let us know in the comments below.

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