Platform Market: Apple Cuts EU App Store Fees, Replaces Core Technology Fee

Apple has introduced new App Store business terms for the European Union, aiming to resolve its long-running conflict with the European Commission over the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The new framework replaces the controversial Core Technology Fee with a 'Core Technology Commission' — a flat 5% commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store — and eliminates the Initial Acquisition Fee and Store Services Fee. Standard commission rates now vary by distribution and payment route, ranging from 26% for App Store distribution with Apple's in-app purchase to 15% for external-link purchases; reduced rates apply to participation programs. The update also merges the previous dual terms into one contract covering the App Store, alternative marketplaces, and web distribution, allows Apple's payment processing and alternative payment options to coexist in the same app, and adds child-protection rules for external payment links. The new terms take effect October 1. The Commission has not yet commented.