STOCKHOLM, August 19, 2026, 02:11 CEST — Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is dropping its EU per-install tech fee and moving to a 5% commission on digital sales from apps distributed outside the App Store. The changes take effect October 1 and will apply to all EU developers with one set of terms.
- Outside-store digital orders get a 5% Core Technology Commission.
- App Store sales still carry commissions between 10% and 26%.
- Developers have to stick with their chosen payment options for 12 months.
The move drops a set fee that applied to top free apps. Now Apple will charge developers based on sales. That means a more predictable bill for developers, but there’s still no way to avoid Apple’s fees entirely.
The difference is clear. Developers who use outside marketplaces or their own sites pay Apple a 5% fee. On the App Store, fees run from 10% up to 26%, depending on the payment method and which programme applies.
| EU distribution and payment route | Standard Apple rate | Reduced rate | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Store with Apple In-App Purchase | 26% | 15% | Lower fee applies if it’s a qualifying program or second year of subscription |
| App Store with alternative in-app payment | 20% | 10% | Developer runs the payment and manages tax themselves |
| App Store link to an outside offer | 15% | 10% | Apple only takes a cut on sales within seven days after the link is tapped |
| Alternative marketplace or Web Distribution | 5% | Not listed | Charged for paid apps plus digital goods or services |
Apple will let apps in EU stores show its payment system alongside others. After users pick a payment option, that choice sticks for a year. Apple says the policy is about giving users a consistent experience.
| App Store transaction | Standard developer | Qualifying programme or mature subscription | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple In-App Purchase | 26% | 15% | 11 points |
| Alternative payment inside app | 20% | 10% | 10 points |
| Outside purchase after link | 15% | 10% | 5 points |
Apple is cutting fees for Small Business, Mini Apps Partner, and Video Partner programs. Auto-renewing subscriptions are also included, but only after the first year. So who qualifies is almost as important as which checkout is used.
Apple used to charge a €0.50 Core Technology Fee for every annual install above one million tied to certain terms. Now, Apple is dropping both the Initial Acquisition Fee and Store Services Fee. Commissions are changing to track revenue instead of download counts.
| Policy area | Before October 1 | Unified terms from October 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Outside-store technology charge | Core Technology Fee based on annual installs for those terms | 5% Core Technology Commission for qualifying digital transactions |
| Acquisition charge | Initial Acquisition Fee might be charged | Dropped |
| Store-service charge | Store Services Fee could also be charged | Now folded in, not a separate fee |
| Developer contracts | Several EU addenda and processes | Single EU business agreement |
Developers who use third-party processors have to collect taxes and file monthly transaction reports. These are due 15 days after the end of each month. Apple is also enforcing notarization for iOS and iPadOS apps distributed outside its store.
The European Commission said it welcomed the changes and plans to monitor how they are carried out, according to Reuters. Earlier, EU regulators criticized Apple’s previous terms, saying they deterred alternative app distribution as set out in the Digital Markets Act.
Epic Games turned down the package. The Fortnite developer called the commission “junk fees” and said it wouldn’t produce the competition the DMA calls for. Apple said its fees pay for tech, security and distribution.
EU consumers could get more payment options in apps. But lower prices aren’t certain since developers still have to cover processing, tax, reporting, and platform fees. Apps outside the store also can’t use Apple In-App Purchase features.
Rules on child protections are tightening for alternative payments. Kids apps can’t link to purchases on the web, and users under 18 could hit a parental gate. Higher local consent ages may also set stricter limits.
Risks: The Commission still hasn’t signed off on the overhaul. Ongoing monitoring means more changes could come. Litigation and challenges from developers might shift Apple’s economics again.
The October change sets a clear price on one part. Apps going outside the App Store get a flat rate now. What’s tougher is figuring out if skipping Apple’s discovery, billing, and trust tools saves more than it costs.
