苹果向欧盟监管让步：取消核心技术费，欧洲 App Store 佣金全面下调

Apple Inc. has made significant concessions to EU regulators, agreeing to comprehensively adjust the business terms of its European App Store. These measures include reducing commission rates and abolishing controversial fee mechanisms, aiming to resolve the protracted competition law dispute with the European Union.

On Tuesday, Apple announced that it would abolish the "Core Technology Fee" imposed on EU developers who bypass the App Store, replacing it with a new mechanism charging a 5% commission on digital transactions generated by apps distributed outside the platform. The new policy will officially take effect on October 1.

In its statement, Apple indicated that this adjustment "resolves the disagreements between the company and the European Commission regarding business terms and alternative distribution channels."

A spokesperson for the European Commission promptly responded, welcoming Apple's revision of its business terms and describing it as the result of "close dialogue" between the two parties. The Commission also stated that it would continue to monitor Apple's actual implementation of the new terms.

This settlement represents a substantive policy retreat for Apple—earlier this year, the EU fined the company €500 million (approximately $579 million) for violating the Digital Markets Act.

Abolishing the "Core Technology Fee" and Restructuring Rules for Outside-Platform Distribution

One of the core aspects of this reform is Apple's complete abandonment of the "Core Technology Fee" mechanism, which had been heavily criticized by developers.

This fee was charged based on app installations to EU developers who chose to distribute their apps outside the App Store. Critics viewed it as an artificial barrier created by Apple to suppress the attractiveness of outside-platform distribution.

Under the new mechanism, Apple will instead charge a 5% commission on digital transactions within apps distributed outside the platform.

Apple also committed to expanding the scope of eligible European enterprises, allowing them to distribute iPhone apps outside the App Store and achieve commercial monetization. Additionally, it will allow developers to offer payment options other than Apple's own payment tools.

In-App Purchasing Commissions Reduced Simultaneously, with Additional Benefits for Subscription Services

Apple has also made concessions regarding transactions within the platform.

Under the new policy, commissions on In-App Purchasing in the European region will be reduced from the standard 30% to 26%; for developers participating in various Apple partner programs, as well as those offering auto-renewing subscription services, the applicable commission rate will be 15%.

This fee adjustment covers all developers distributing apps in the EU. Apple stated that this move helps "reduce complexity" by bringing all relevant parties under a single set of business terms.

Continued DMA Enforcement Pressure, EU Regulatory Game Not Over

This settlement marks the latest significant development in the series of conflicts between Apple and the European Commission surrounding the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulation, which fully came into effect over two years ago, requires tech giants like Apple to open their platform ecosystems to third parties.

In 2025, the European Commission fined Apple €500 million for failing to allow developers to provide external purchase links within the App Store. In July of this year, Apple's attempt to overturn this penalty in court also failed.

The current European Commission investigation targets another independent procedure—launched in 2024—to examine whether the modifications Apple made to comply with the DMA were truly compliant.

For years, app developers have continuously accused Apple and Google of monopolizing smartphone app distribution channels, controlling digital platforms through high fees and closed payment systems. Apple has clear financial motives to defend the existing system—the App Store itself is significantly more profitable than outside-platform distribution.

Third-Party App Store Landscape Initially Taking Shape

Regulatory pressure from the EU has driven a certain degree of openness in the Apple ecosystem.

Under the framework of the Digital Markets Act, Apple was mandated to allow third-party app stores to operate on devices in the EU. Currently, several independent platforms have launched in this market, including an app store supported by Epic Games, leveraging the background of the developer behind the popular game Fortnite.

Apple also announced the introduction of new child safety measures, requiring prior parental authorization and approval for users under the age of 18 when using alternative payment channels or web transaction links.

The European Commission stated that it would closely track the implementation of these new terms, indicating that regulatory scrutiny has not ended.