Apple Finally Relents Under Government Pressure

Apple has announced changes to its app business terms in the European Union. The new changes will take effect from 1 October 2026, following regulatory pressure from the region.

Under the latest model, Apple is adjusting several commission charges on sales of digital goods and services. The details are as follows, quoted from Apple’s official website:

Apple In-App Purchase:

• 26% for the standard rate.

• 15% for small developers/special programme partners and automatic subscriptions over 1 year.

Alternative Payments (in-app):

• 20% for the standard rate.

• 10% for special programme developers.

External Links (Link Out Web):

• 15% for the standard rate.

• 10% for special programme developers.

Distribution Outside the App Store (Web / Alternative Marketplaces):

• 5% (Core Technology Commission).

Alternative Payment Options

Developers can now also offer alternative payment options alongside Apple In-App Purchase. The payment choices available include in-app purchases, alternative payment processing within the app itself, links to websites, or a combination of all these methods. All of these options must be maintained for the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, child safety is also one of the main points highlighted. Apple has confirmed it will continue to implement protective measures, such as not including website links to complete transactions in apps in the children’s category.

In addition, there is a parental control feature when apps used by users under the age of 18 utilise alternative payment methods or links to websites. This feature requires young users to involve a parent or guardian before making a transaction.

Apps aimed at users under the age of 13 are not permitted at all to link to external websites for transactions.