Apple Changes EU App Store Rules With New Fees and Payment Options
Apple has announced a major overhaul of its business terms for apps distributed in the European Union, introducing a unified framework for developers and changing how commissions apply across the App Store, alternative payments and apps distributed outside Apple’s marketplace.
The new terms were announced on August 18, 2026, following discussions between Apple and the European Commission. Developers can already agree to the updated terms, while the changes will take effect on October 1, 2026. Apple says the framework resolves its disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative app distribution.
One of the most significant changes is the replacement of the Core Technology Fee with a new Core Technology Commission. Apple is also introducing revised commission rates depending on how an app is distributed and how users pay for digital goods and services.
Apple Introduces Unified Business Terms for EU Apps
Developers distributing apps in the EU will move to a single set of business terms. Under the new model, Apple will charge commissions on sales of digital goods and services, with the rate depending on the distribution and payment method.
The existing Core Technology Fee, which was based on app installations for developers reaching significant scale, will be replaced by the Core Technology Commission. This will be a 5% commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store.
Apple is also eliminating the Initial Acquisition Fee and Store Services Fee under the new framework.
The new commission structure is as follows:
| Distribution and Payment Method | Standard Commission | Reduced Commission Where Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| App Store with Apple In-App Purchase | 26% | 15% |
| App Store with alternative payment processing | 20% | 10% |
| App Store with links to external purchases | 15% | 10% |
| Alternative app marketplaces or web distribution | 5% Core Technology Commission | Not specified |
The reduced 15% rate for Apple In-App Purchase applies to developers covered by programs such as the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program and Video Partner Program, as well as qualifying auto-renewing subscriptions after their first year.
For alternative payment processing, developers in those programs will pay 10% instead of 20%. The reduced rate for apps linking users to the web for purchases is also 10%.
Apple Will Allow In-App Purchase Alongside Alternative Payments
Another important change concerns how developers can present payment options to EU users.
Under the updated terms, developers will be able to offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment methods in the same app. Apple says this combination had not previously been permitted under its EU terms.
Developers can choose from several payment arrangements:
- Apple In-App Purchase
- Alternative payment processing inside the app
- Links directing users to a website to complete a transaction
- A combination of these options
Once developers select their payment options, they will be required to maintain those choices for 12 months.
This means an EU app can, subject to Apple’s requirements, provide Apple’s own purchasing system while also giving users access to another payment method.
New Rules Add Protections for Payments Involving Children
Apple is introducing specific requirements for alternative payment systems used in App Store apps by younger users.
Apps listed in the Kids category will not be permitted to include links to websites for completing transactions.
For users under 18, App Store apps that process payments through an alternative system or direct users to an external website must include a parental gate. This requires younger users to involve a parent or guardian before making a purchase.
Additional restrictions apply to children under 13. Apps used by these users cannot link to external websites for transactions.
In EU countries where parental consent requirements for digital activities apply beyond the age of 13, Apple says these protections will be adjusted accordingly.
Apple Expands Alternative App Distribution in the EU
The October changes will also broaden eligibility for companies that want to operate alternative app marketplaces or distribute apps directly through the web.
According to Apple’s announcement, companies may qualify under criteria including:
- Meeting a financial stability threshold assessed by Dun & Bradstreet
- Being publicly traded or owned by a publicly traded company
- Receiving venture funding from an established investment firm
- Completing a financial audit conducted by a licensed accountant
- Being a government entity, educational institution or nonprofit
Apple’s more detailed developer documentation lists additional eligibility routes for Web Distribution, including providing a $1 million standby letter of credit or reaching one million first annual installs worldwide.
Web Distribution remains an EU-specific option that allows eligible developers to distribute iOS and iPadOS apps from their own websites rather than exclusively through the App Store or an alternative app marketplace.
Notarization Will Remain Mandatory Outside the App Store
Expanding alternative distribution does not remove Apple’s review requirements entirely.
Apple says apps distributed through alternative channels will continue to undergo Notarization. The process provides a baseline review focused on basic app functionality and protection against serious security threats.
Apple distinguishes this process from the broader oversight associated with the App Store. According to the company, direct web distribution does not have a marketplace operator providing the same type of ongoing oversight.
Apple’s developer documentation also confirms that alternative distribution tools will become available to developers operating under the unified terms from October 1, 2026.
What Changes for EU Developers on October 1?
The new framework consolidates several previously separate approaches to app distribution and payments in the EU.
From October 1, developers operating under the new terms will have access to alternative payment options for digital goods and services, alternative distribution tools through App Store Connect and the unified business framework.
The previous Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU and StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (EU) Addendum are being replaced under the new framework, with the updated EU terms set out in Attachment 14 of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement.
For developers, the practical effect is a clearer distinction between commission rates based on where an app is distributed and how a digital transaction is completed.
For users, the changes mean that EU apps can offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment methods or provide other purchasing options, depending on the developer’s chosen setup.
Apple Continues Reshaping Its App Ecosystem in the EU
The changes significantly reshape how apps can be distributed and monetized in the EU. From October 1, developers will operate under unified business terms while gaining broader access to alternative payments and distribution options.
For Apple users, digital purchases also extend beyond payments made directly inside individual apps. Apple account balance can be used for eligible apps, games and subscriptions such as Apple Music or iCloud. Baxity Store offers App Store & iTunes and Apple Gift Cards in multiple regional versions and denominations, although availability varies by country and product. Users should always select a card that is compatible with the region of their Apple account before purchasing.
