Apple Revises EU App Store Fees Amid Fines

Apple has revised its App Store rules and fee structures in the European Union after being fined €500 million for anti-competitive practices related to restricting developers from steering users to external payment options. The updated policies, aimed at complying with the Digital Markets Act, allow EU developers to direct users to alternative payment methods but impose a complex multi-tier fee structure, including a 5% 'Core Technology Commission' and variable fees. Critics, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, have accused Apple of 'malicious compliance' by maintaining commercial barriers under new terms. Apple plans to appeal the European Commission's decision, arguing that compliance demands have been unclear and shifting. The European Commission is currently reviewing whether the changes are sufficient, with the possibility of additional daily fines of up to €50 million if Apple is found non-compliant. The new model will transition to a single commission-based structure by January 2026, with the EC seeking further feedback from developers and stakeholders.