Originally published at https://tekmag.thsite.top/apple-announces-sweeping-app-store-changes-for-eu-26-commission-unified-terms-and-dma-compliance/
Apple announced sweeping changes to its EU App Store terms on August 18, 2026, effective October 1: the standard commission drops from 30% to 26%, developers can now combine Apple In-App Purchase with Alternative payment options, and the Core Technology Fee is replaced by a 5% commission on digital transactions for apps distributed outside the App Store. The changes resolve disagreements with the European Commission and move every EU developer to a single set of business terms.
Apple's announcement follows months of negotiations with the European Commission, which accused Apple of breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by restricting how developers monetize their apps. Apple stated the updated terms resolve those disagreements while reducing complexity for developers who distribute in the EU.
Developers can agree to the new terms immediately through the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. The primary updates take effect October 1, 2026, when the Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU and the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (EU) Addendum are superseded by Attachment 14 of the agreement.
Key Takeaways
- The standard App Store commission drops from 30% to 26% for all EU developers.
- Small Business Program participants and auto-renewable subscriptions after the first year qualify for a 15% rate.
- Developers can now offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options — previously not permitted in the EU.
- The Core Technology Fee (50 cents per install beyond 1 million downloads) is replaced by a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital transactions for apps distributed outside the App Store.
- Initial acquisition fees and store services fees are eliminated.
- Eligibility to operate alternative app marketplaces or distribute via the web expands significantly starting October 1, 2026.
- Notarization remains mandatory for all alternatively distributed iOS and iPadOS apps.
The new commission structure
Apple's commission rates for EU developers now break down as follows:
- 26% on sales processed by Apple In-App Purchase — the new standard rate replacing the previous 30%
- 15% for Small Business Program participants, Mini Apps Partner Program members, Video Partner Program members, and auto-renewable subscriptions after the first year
- 20% on sales processed via alternative payment processing within the app
- 10% for Small Business Program participants on alternative payments
- 15% store services commission on out-of-app offers with actionable links (redirecting to websites, alternative marketplaces, or other apps)
- 10% for program participants on store services commissions
Only sales made within 7 days of tapping an out-of-app offer link are subject to the store services commission. Apple stated the commission adjustments reflect the value provided through tools, technologies, and services including distribution, discovery, trust and safety, promotional tools, app insights, and payment processing.
Alternative payments meet Apple In-App Purchase
One of the most significant changes allows developers to combine Apple In-App Purchase with alternative payment options in the EU — a practice previously prohibited. Under the updated terms from Apple's August 18 announcement, developers must select their payment options: Apple In-App Purchase, alternative payment processing within the app, linking to the web, or a combination. Once chosen, developers must maintain those options for 12 months.
Apple emphasized that presentation requirements will ensure users see a consistent, transparent experience. Reader apps in the EU can also promote out-of-app offers for digital goods without an actionable link, regardless of whether they use the StoreKit External Link Account Entitlement. These offers are subject to display requirements outlined in Apple's reader app guidance.
Core Technology Commission replaces the per-install fee
Apple is eliminating the Core Technology Fee, which charged developers 50 cents per installation for apps exceeding 1 million downloads annually. It is being replaced by the Core Technology Commission: a flat 5% commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store.
This includes apps on alternative marketplaces, web-distributed apps, and digital goods sold through those channels. The 5% rate applies to paid apps, one-time purchases, and auto-renewing subscriptions distributed outside the App Store. Standard App Store In-App Purchase transactions remain at 26%.
Apple also eliminated the initial acquisition fee and store services fee that previously applied to alternative distribution. Small marketplace operators earning below a threshold qualify for a waiver of the Core Technology Commission on marketplace fees, according to reporting by Basic Tutorials.
Expanded eligibility for alternative distribution
Apple is broadening who can operate alternative app marketplaces or distribute apps directly from their website in the EU. Starting October 1, 2026, developers need only meet one of several criteria to qualify.
The previous model required developers to post bank guarantees in the millions. The new criteria accept alternatives including a Dun & Bradstreet credit check, stock market listing, venture capital funding, licensed audit, or government, educational, or nonprofit status, according to Apple Developer Support. The expanded eligibility is designed to lower barriers while maintaining user protections through ongoing oversight requirements.
Web Distribution, available only in the EU, allows developers to distribute notarized iOS and iPadOS apps directly from their registered websites without a marketplace operator involved.
Notarization and child safety protections
Apple will continue requiring every alternatively distributed app to undergo Notarization — a baseline review focused on functionality and protection from serious threats. The Notarization Review Guidelines represent a subset of the full App Review Guidelines, concentrated on security, privacy, and device integrity.
Through automated checks and human review, Notarization verifies that apps are free of known malware and viruses, function as promised, and do not expose users to egregious fraud. Apps distributed through the App Store continue to meet Apple's higher standards through the full App Review process, which includes Notarization plus enforcement of content and commerce policies.
Apple also implemented child safety protections for alternative payments aligned with measures already in place in other markets. In EU member states requiring parental consent for digital actions for children older than 13, these protections scale to the higher age threshold, Apple confirmed. For example, in storefronts where the age is 16, protections apply to users under 16 and to those aged 16 to 17 instead of the base 13-and-under brackets.
Impact on developers and the EU market
The changes represent Apple's most comprehensive adjustment to its EU App Store terms since initial DMA compliance in 2024. Previous iterations faced criticism from developers and the European Commission, with Apple also facing a €1.8 billion fine related to disputes with Spotify as reported by Basic Tutorials.
For developers, the commission reduction from 30% to 26% provides immediate margin relief. The ability to combine payment options may improve conversion rates for some apps, though the 12-month commitment limits flexibility. Smaller developers and subscription-focused businesses benefit most from the reduced rates for Small Business Program participants.
The expanded marketplace eligibility could increase competition among alternative distribution channels, though Notarization requirements and ongoing oversight ensure Apple retains baseline quality control. The transition period before October 1 gives developers time to adjust their payment strategies and review the updated terms.
What's next
Apple's August 18 announcement marks a substantial shift in how developers can monetize apps in the EU. The 26% commission rate, combined payment flexibility, and lower barriers to alternative distribution address many criticisms raised since the DMA took effect. Developers should review Attachment 14 of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement and the updated Developer Support documentation to understand how the changes affect their specific apps before the October 1 deadline.
Conclusion
This article has examined the key developments, regulatory dynamics, and market implications of this topic. As the situation continues to evolve, stakeholders should monitor upcoming milestones and assess how these changes align with their strategic priorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
<h3>Q: When do the new App Store commission rates take effect?</h3>
<p>The changes go live on October 1, 2026. Developers can agree to the new terms immediately through the Apple Developer Program License Agreement.</p>
<h3>Q: Does the 5% Core Technology Commission apply to standard App Store sales?</h3>
<p>No. The 5% rate applies only to digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store — alternative marketplaces and web distribution. Standard App Store In-App Purchase sales are charged at 26%.</p>
<h3>Q: Can I switch my payment options after choosing them?</h3>
<p>Developers must maintain their selected payment options for 12 months after making a choice. After that period, they can modify their selection.</p>
<h3>Q: What happens to the old EU addendums?</h3>
<p>The Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU and the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (EU) Addendum are phased out on October 1, 2026, and superseded by Attachment 14 of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement.</p>
<h3>Q: Are alternative app marketplaces required to pass Notarization?</h3>
<p>Yes. All iOS and iPadOS apps distributed outside the App Store must undergo Notarization, regardless of distribution channel. This includes apps from alternative marketplaces and web distribution.</p>
References
- Apple Newsroom. "Apple announces changes for apps in the European Union." August 18, 2026. Apple Newsroom announcement
- Apple Developer Support. "Changes for apps in the European Union." Updated August 18, 2026. Apple Developer Support page
- Basic Tutorials. "Apple App Store EU: New Fees and Rules Effective October 1, 2026." August 19, 2026. Basic Tutorials coverage
