Apple Replaces Core Technology Fee With New EU Commission Rates Starting October 1

Apple has announced revised business terms for software applications distributed across the European Union, replacing its heavily debated Core Technology Fee with a new Core Technology Commission that takes effect Oct. 1.

Under the updated framework, the commission structure varies depending on developer program status and transaction routing methods. Developers outside Apple’s discounted programs using standard Apple In-App Purchase technology will be charged a 26 percent fee. The majority of developers participating in the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, or Video Partner Program will qualify for a reduced 15 percent fee.

For applications listed on the App Store that handle transactions through alternative tools for payment processing, Apple set the base commission at 20 percent. Apps that link out of the app to complete purchases will face a 15 percent fee. Program members utilizing either alternative payment processing or external links will pay a discounted 10 percent commission.

Software distributed entirely outside Apple’s App Store will incur a flat fee of 5 percent as their commission.

The restructuring follows years of legal disputes over compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. Apple recently lost its legal challenge to avoid tighter policing under gatekeeper status under the DMA, while also facing potential country-specific charges over anti-competitive practices in Germany.

Regulatory pressure over app store policies is also mounting in the United States, where measures to loosen sideloading and alternative payment systems restrictions remain active. In domestic courts, Apple is seeking support for a 5 to 15 percent commission cut on transactions completed through third-party payments.