Apple EU App Store fees are changing again, but this time the headline is simplification. Apple has announced one set of business terms for developers distributing apps in the European Union, replacing several overlapping fee models. The new framework takes effect on 1 October 2026.
The update affects App Store payments, external purchase links, alternative payment processors, third-party app marketplaces and web distribution. Although the rules are EU-specific, developers elsewhere — including Australia — should pay attention if they offer their apps in European storefronts.
What changed with Apple EU App Store fees?
Apple says all developers distributing apps in the EU will move to unified terms. The company is eliminating the Initial Acquisition Fee and Store Services Fee. It is also replacing the Core Technology Fee, which was based on first annual installs above a threshold, with a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store.
The updated fee structure is:
- Apple In-App Purchase: 26% standard commission, or 15% for qualifying developers and subscriptions after their first year.
- Alternative payment processing inside an App Store app: 20% standard, or 10% at the reduced rate.
- External purchase links from an App Store app: 15% standard, or 10% at the reduced rate.
- Alternative marketplaces or web distribution: 5% Core Technology Commission on digital transactions.
The reduced rates cover most developers participating in programs such as the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program or Video Partner Program. Eligibility still matters, so developers should calculate costs against their own distribution and payment setup rather than relying on the headline rate alone.
Why the new EU app terms matter
The biggest practical change is predictability. A per-install charge could become difficult to model when a free app grew rapidly without matching digital revenue. A transaction-based commission more closely follows sales, although developers distributing outside the App Store will still need to assess whether the 5% charge changes their economics.
Apple says the changes follow collaboration with the European Commission and resolve disagreements concerning business terms and alternative distribution under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement adds Attachment 14 for EU apps.
More payment choice inside App Store apps
Developers will be able to present Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options in the same app. Previously, those combinations were more restricted under the EU framework. Apple says presentation requirements will apply so that customers understand which payment system they are using.
Developers must select Apple In-App Purchase, in-app alternative processing, an external purchase link, or a combination of these options. They must then maintain the selected arrangement for 12 months. That requirement makes the decision more than a short-term pricing experiment.
For users, this could produce more payment choices and potentially different prices. It also means support, refunds and purchase protection may vary depending on whether the transaction uses Apple or an external provider. Customers should check the seller and payment terms before completing a purchase outside Apple’s system.
Child-safety rules for alternative payments
The new terms include additional protections for younger users. Kids-category apps cannot link to websites to complete transactions. App Store apps using alternative payments or external links must show a parental gate to users under 18. Users under 13 cannot be directed to an external transaction website.
Apple notes that age thresholds may be higher in EU countries where local law requires parental consent for older children. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of fraud and unexpected purchases when transactions leave Apple’s payment flow.
Alternative marketplaces and web distribution expand
Apple is broadening the organisations that can qualify to run an alternative app marketplace or distribute iPhone apps directly from the web in the EU. Routes include meeting a financial-stability assessment, being publicly traded, receiving established venture backing, completing a licensed financial audit, or operating as a government body, educational institution or nonprofit.
Notarisation remains mandatory for alternatively distributed apps. Apple describes it as a baseline review for basic functionality and serious security threats, rather than the full App Store review process. Users considering software from outside the App Store should still verify the developer and source.
What developers should do before 1 October
- Review and accept the updated agreement in the Apple Developer account.
- Compare the 26%, 20%, 15% and 5% routes using expected EU transaction volume.
- Decide which payment options to support, remembering the 12-month commitment.
- Update parental gates and age-related purchase flows where required.
- Review marketplace, web-distribution and notarisation requirements.
- Test App Store Connect information, customer disclosures and payment support processes.
Apple provides a detailed EU app changes support page. Developers preparing App Store materials for the next software cycle may also find our guide to App Store creative assets for iOS 27 useful.
Final thoughts
The revised Apple EU App Store fees remove several layers of complexity and widen payment and distribution choices, but they do not make every route free. Developers need to compare commissions, operational costs, customer trust and support obligations before choosing a model. For users, the change should mean more options — alongside a greater need to understand who handles each payment.
FAQs
When do Apple’s new EU App Store terms start?
The updated business terms take effect on 1 October 2026. Developers can review and accept the new agreement before that date.
Is Apple removing the Core Technology Fee?
Yes. Apple is replacing the per-install Core Technology Fee with a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store.
Can an app offer Apple and alternative payments together?
Yes. Under the updated EU terms, developers can offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside eligible alternative payment options, subject to Apple’s presentation and policy requirements.
Do these changes apply in Australia?
The announced framework applies to apps distributed in the European Union. Australian developers are affected if they distribute their apps in EU storefronts, but the terms do not replace Australia’s App Store rules.
Are apps outside the App Store still checked by Apple?
Yes. Apps distributed through alternative marketplaces or directly from the web must still pass Apple’s Notarisation process, which performs baseline checks for functionality and serious threats.
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