Apple s New EU App Store Fees Explained (2025): What Changes Under the DMA and What Developers Should Do Now

On 23 April 2025, the European Commission found Apple in breach of the DMA s anti steering rules and levied a fine. Apple then updated its EU App Store terms on 26 June 2025, introducing a tiered Store Services fee (5% basic / 13% full) and a new 5% Core Technology Commission on external purchases; the EC is now reviewing those changes.

Multiple reports indicate regulators are likely to accept Apple s latest terms, though an official decision has not been published as of September 18, 2025.

WHAT ACTUALLY CHANGED

• Linking out: Developers can communicate pricing and link users to external payment flows more freely.
• Fees: Choosing alternative payments can still incur Apple fees: a Store Services fee (5% basic, or ~13% for full features) plus a 5% Core Technology Commission on external transactions set to replace the 0.50 Core Technology Fee on Jan 1, 2026.
• Entitlements: Apple merged link outs/alt pay into one entitlement; enabling it removes IAP and certain App Store conveniences.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PATH

• High LTV subscription apps that rely on App Store discovery and updates may prefer the 13% tier with built in services.
• Price sensitive or pay once products might benefit from external checkout + 5% Store Services + 5% CTC if you can absorb the added engineering/ops.
• Don t forget VAT, processor fees, and churn impacts when comparing headline percentages.

DEVELOPER CHECKLIST

• Model your net take rate across Apple s options vs. web checkout (Stripe/Adyen) including VAT and refunds.
• Update in app messaging and price disclosures to meet anti steering requirements.
• Capture analytics parity if you drop App Store services (reviews, discovery, auto updates).

FAQ

1. Has the EU officially accepted Apple s new terms?

Not yet. As of September 18, 2025, reports indicate acceptance is likely, but no Commission decision has been published.

2. What happens to the 0.50 Core Technology Fee?

It is scheduled to sunset and be replaced by a 5% Core Technology Commission on external purchases from January 1, 2026, per Apple s developer updates.

3. Can I still use Apple IAP?

Yes you can stick with Apple IAP and the standard rates, or opt in to the new EU path with alternative payments and the revised fees.

SOURCES

– European Commission Press release finding Apple in breach (PDF)

– Apple Developer EU DMA update (June 26, 2025)

– AP News Apple revamps EU App Store terms to avert more fines

– Reuters EC expected to accept Apple s changes (report)

– MacRumors Summary of the EU fee structure update