Apple developer agreement changes announced on 18 August 2026 will reshape how apps are sold and distributed in the European Union. The updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement creates one set of EU business terms, introduces new payment rules, expands access to alternative distribution and replaces the per-install Core Technology Fee with a transaction-based commission.
Most of the changes take effect on 1 October 2026. They matter directly to developers, but iPhone and iPad users may also notice more payment choices, revised safeguards for children and easier access to apps outside the App Store.
What changed in Apple’s developer agreement?
Apple says all developers distributing apps in EU storefronts will move to a unified set of terms. The current Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU and the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (EU) Addendum are being phased out and will be superseded by Attachment 14 of the updated agreement.
The headline change is a simpler-looking fee structure. Apple will remove the Initial Acquisition Fee and Store Services Fee. It will also replace the Core Technology Fee—a charge linked to first annual installs for very large apps—with a 5% Core Technology Commission on covered digital transactions in iOS and iPadOS apps distributed outside the App Store.
Developers should still model the total cost carefully. Rates and reporting duties vary depending on whether an app uses Apple In-App Purchase, an alternative processor, an external purchase link, an alternative marketplace or direct web distribution. Our earlier guide explains the broader Apple EU App Store fee changes taking effect in October.
Alternative payments can sit beside Apple In-App Purchase
Under the new EU terms, an App Store app can offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside an alternative payment processor or an offer that sends the user elsewhere. That gives developers more flexibility and lets customers compare payment routes from within the same app.
There is an important stability rule: developers must keep their selected combination of payment options for 12 months. Apple says this is intended to make the experience more consistent and understandable for users. Developers using alternative payments must also handle relevant tax, transaction reporting and customer-support responsibilities that Apple may otherwise provide through its payment system.
External purchase links and commissions
Apps may direct EU users to a website, another app or an alternative marketplace for digital purchases. Where an actionable link is used, Apple’s published terms say certain sales completed within seven days of the link tap can be subject to a commission. Developers therefore need accurate attribution and monthly reporting processes before changing their checkout flow.
New child-safety rules for alternative payments
The updated policy adds age-based protections when an App Store app uses payment methods outside Apple’s system. Depending on the user’s age and the age of parental consent in the relevant EU country, alternative purchase flows may need to sit behind a parental gate. Out-of-app purchase offers may also be restricted for younger users.
This is significant because an external checkout may not include the same family controls, refund handling or purchase history as Apple In-App Purchase. Parents should check which company is processing a payment and review the app’s cancellation and support terms before approving a purchase.
Alternative marketplaces and web distribution expand
From 1 October, developers will no longer have to be established as a legal entity in the EU simply to qualify to operate an alternative app marketplace or use Web Distribution. Apple is adding several possible eligibility routes, including a financial-stability assessment, public-company status, established venture backing, an independent financial audit, qualifying government, education or nonprofit status, a US$1 million standby letter of credit, or one million first annual installs worldwide.
Apps distributed outside the App Store must still pass Apple’s notarisation process. Apple describes notarisation as a baseline security and privacy review rather than the full App Store Review Guidelines process. Installation sheets identify the developer, app description, screenshots, age rating and other details, while Apple’s signing and malware checks aim to reduce tampering and known security threats.
What the Apple developer agreement changes mean for users
- More payment choice: EU users may see Apple In-App Purchase and another payment method in the same app.
- More places to get apps: eligibility for marketplaces and direct website distribution is broader.
- Different support paths: refunds, subscriptions and billing help may come from the developer or payment provider rather than Apple.
- Continued baseline checks: alternatively distributed iPhone and iPad apps still require Apple notarisation.
- Travel flexibility: Apple says EU users will be able to install alternative marketplaces and alternatively distributed apps for up to 90 days while travelling outside the EU.
These rules are specific to EU distribution. Australian App Store users should not expect the same payment and marketplace options solely because this agreement changed, although the EU model may influence future regulatory debates elsewhere.
What should developers do before 1 October?
- Have the Account Holder review the updated agreement in the Apple Developer account.
- Compare App Store, external payment and alternative distribution costs using realistic sales data.
- Decide on payment options with the 12-month commitment in mind.
- Build parental gates and age-aware restrictions where required.
- Prepare tax, commission and transaction reports for non-Apple payments.
- Test purchase disclosures, cancellation steps and customer-support routes.
Developers already using the existing EU addenda can continue under the current arrangements until the transition. Apple says the unified terms apply from 1 October 2026 or the date the developer accepts them, whichever is later. Because contract and fee details can affect individual businesses differently, developers should read Apple’s official agreement notice and the detailed EU app distribution guidance rather than relying only on summaries.
Final thoughts
The latest Apple developer agreement changes make the EU framework more consistent while widening payment and distribution options. The shift from a per-install fee to a 5% transaction commission may help some high-scale free apps, but developers still face detailed reporting, eligibility and child-safety obligations. Users gain choice, yet they should pay closer attention to who handles each purchase and where support comes from.
FAQs
When do Apple’s new EU developer terms take effect?
The main changes take effect on 1 October 2026, or when a developer accepts the updated agreement after that point, as applicable.
Is Apple removing the Core Technology Fee?
Yes. Apple says the per-install Core Technology Fee will be replaced by a 5% Core Technology Commission on covered digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store.
Can an EU app offer Apple In-App Purchase and another payment method?
Yes. The new terms allow alternative payment options alongside Apple In-App Purchase, subject to Apple’s rules and a 12-month commitment to the chosen payment setup.
Are apps outside the App Store still checked by Apple?
Yes. Alternative iOS and iPadOS apps must undergo notarisation, a baseline review focused on security, privacy, platform integrity and accurate app information.
Do these changes apply to Australian users?
No. The announced business and distribution changes apply to apps distributed in European Union storefronts, not the Australian App Store.
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