August 29, 2026, 6:23 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple is restructuring its app fees in the European Union. Starting October 1, 2026, a new model will apply for developers. The changes affect not only apps in the App Store but also those offered through alternative marketplaces or directly via websites. How much Apple earns from a sale will depend more on the specific distribution channel.
Core Technology Fee Disappears
According to the company, the fee rules are set to become simpler. Apple is eliminating the so-called Core Technology Fee. Previously, the first one million installations per year for affected apps were free. For each additional counted first installation, the U.S. company charged 50 cents.
This fee will be completely removed in the future. Instead, Apple is introducing a new commission on digital sales. This fundamentally changes the cost calculation for developers.
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5 Percent for Alternative Distribution Channels
Those offering apps through alternative marketplaces or directly via websites will have to pay 5 percent on digital sales. Apple refers to this charge as the “Core Technology Commission.” At the same time, two previous fees are being eliminated. The “Initial Acquisition Fee” charged 2 percent of the purchase price for purchases made through a link from the app during the first six months. Additionally, the “Store Services Fee,” which ranged from 5 to 13 percent depending on the chosen service package, is also being removed.
The model is intended to be more straightforward for developers. The previous combination of multiple fees is being replaced by a new revenue-sharing model.
App Store Remains More Expensive
Those who continue to distribute their application through the App Store and process purchases through another payment provider will have to plan for higher fees. According to Apple, 20 percent of the purchase price will generally be due in this case. Participants in the “Small Business Program” will pay less, with the commission reduced to 10 percent for them.
Additionally, developers will be allowed to offer alternative payment methods alongside Apple’s own in-app purchase system. Once they make this choice, however, they must stick with it for 12 months.
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EU Continues to Monitor Changes
The trigger for the new rules is the Digital Markets Act. The EU law aims to increase competition among large digital corporations. Apple had already adjusted its guidelines in Europe after competition authorities demanded changes.
The Core Technology Fee, in particular, was criticized. Critics feared it could deter developers from offering apps outside the App Store. With the new model, Apple is now responding to these allegations.
However, the conflict is not yet resolved. According to the news portal “Reuters,” the EU Commission generally welcomes the announced adjustments but intends to continue monitoring their implementation. Criticism also comes from Epic Games. The developer of “Fortnite” doubts that the new fee model will actually lead to more competition.