Apple simplifies EU App Store fees and eases store rules

Apple is replacing its controversial per-install fee in Europe with a flat 5% cut.

TechCrunch reports that Apple overhauled its EU developer terms to satisfy European antitrust regulators. The company scrapped its per-install Core Technology Fee for apps distributed outside the App Store, replacing it with a flat 5% commission on digital goods. Apple also dropped its standard App Store cut from 30% to 26%, set alternative payment processing fees at 20%, and lowered the bar for developers to open rival app stores.

Why it matters: After facing a €500 million EU fine over terms critics labeled "malicious compliance," Apple needed a cleaner setup. The new rules ditch strict historical requirements—like needing 1 million annual installs—so developers can now use VC funding or financial audits to qualify for building alternative storefronts.

Know this: Developers who select a payment processing setup under these terms are locked into that choice for 12 months.

EU regulators still need to give final approval, but the math for European developers just got a lot simpler.