Epic Games called Apple's simplified EU App Store fee structure "junk" and said it does not meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act, while the European Consumer Organisation noted that the changes may lower fees on paper but could be passed to consumers.

Apple announced on August 18 that it will adopt a single set of business terms for all developers distributing apps in the EU, reducing commission rates for in‑app purchases, alternative payment methods, and web‑based purchases and introducing a 5% core technology commission for apps distributed through alternative marketplaces or the web.

Under the plan, a standard in‑app purchase fee will be 26% of the transaction value, decreasing to 15% for developers in qualifying programs and to 10% for auto‑renewing subscriptions after the first year; alternative payment processing will incur a 20% fee, reduced to 10% for qualifying developers; web‑based purchases will carry a 15% fee, reduced to 10% for qualifying developers; and apps distributed via alternative marketplaces or the web will be subject to a 5% core technology commission. The revised terms are effective October 1, and developers can sign the new agreement immediately.

Apple said the changes result from close collaboration with the European Commission and resolve its disputes over fees and alternative distribution, emphasizing that Apple In‑App Purchase remains the safest payment method and that parental controls have been added for alternative payment options. Epic Games argued that the scheme fails to open the market to competition as required by the DMA, noting that the law mandates free link‑outs to the web and effective use of competing stores. BEUC cautioned that the simplified fee structure may not translate into consumer savings and that the user experience of alternative app stores and web purchases remains unclear.

The new terms are expected to reduce regulatory pressure on Apple while maintaining its control over app distribution, and the practical impact on developers and consumers will become evident after the October 1 implementation.