Apple App Store EU Changes Explained: What's New in 2025?
Apple is shaking up its App Store rules in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The tech giant is introducing new fee structures and policy changes that directly affect how developers distribute and monetize apps across the EU. These Apple App Store EU changes aim to avoid further fines after the company was hit with a €500 million penalty for anti-competitive behavior. If you're a developer or Apple user in Europe, here's everything you need to know.
New App Store Commission Tiers for Developers
A major part of the Apple App Store EU changes is the introduction of two new commission tiers. Developers can now choose between Tier 1, which charges a 5% fee but limits access to key App Store features, or Tier 2, which comes with a higher 13% commission but includes full support like automatic updates and marketing tools. While this appears to offer more flexibility, critics like Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney argue that the lower tier significantly restricts competitiveness and functionality, essentially penalizing developers who opt out of Apple’s full ecosystem.
Core Technology Commission Replaces Core Technology Fee
Apple is also rolling out a new Core Technology Commission—set at 5%—on purchases made outside apps distributed via the App Store. This replaces the existing €0.50 per-download Core Technology Fee for apps that exceed one million annual installs. The company says this new system will take full effect across the EU starting January 1, 2026, under a unified business model. However, regulators are still assessing whether this new approach truly complies with the DMA’s fairness and transparency standards.
Why the EU Penalized Apple and What’s Next
The Apple App Store EU changes follow an April 2025 decision by the European Commission, which found Apple’s previous "anti-steering" practices in violation of the DMA. These rules had prevented developers from clearly guiding users toward external payment methods. Apple has stated its intention to appeal the ruling but has begun implementing structural changes to avoid additional non-compliance penalties. The Commission is reviewing whether these updates go far enough to create a level playing field.
What Apple Developers Should Do Now
If you're developing apps for iOS users in Europe, it’s critical to understand these Apple App Store EU changes and how they may affect your revenue model. Consider the trade-offs between Tier 1 and Tier 2, and monitor updates from the European Commission as it evaluates Apple's proposals. While Apple continues to resist certain regulatory demands, the DMA has already forced significant changes that could reshape the digital app marketplace in Europe—and beyond.
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