Apple Modifies EU App Store Policy Following Commission’s Probe

Following the EU’s June complaint against the iPhone maker for violating the bloc’s digital regulations, Apple modified its policy on Thursday in the European Union to permit developers to interact with their clients outside of its App Store.

According to the Commission, Apple only permits steering through “link-outs,” or app developers’ ability to insert a link in their app that takes users to a web page where they can complete a contract. This is because Apple permits steering only through these means under the majority of business conditions.

According to Apple, developers can now interact with one another and advertise deals that are available from within their app—not only on their website. Apple, however, is going to implement two additional fees: a one-time 5% acquisition fee for new users and a 10% store services fee for any sales that app users make within a year of installing the app, regardless of platform.

Apple currently levies three different kinds of fees: an optional price for payment and commerce services, a reduced commission for all digital products and services sold through the App Store, and a core technology fee for fewer than 1% of apps. The lowered commission for all digital goods and services sold through the App Store will be replaced by the two new levies.

Spotify said it was reviewing Apple’s proposal. Spotify and Apple have been at odds over in-app links. “At first glance, by demanding as much as a 25% fee for basic communication with users, Apple once again blatantly disregards the fundamental requirements of the Digital Markets Act,” a representative for Spotify stated.

The Commission had previously criticized Apple for charging fees beyond what was required for such compensation to facilitate developers’ initial acquisition of a new client through the App Store. “We will assess Apple’s eventual changes to the compliance measures, also taking into account any feedback from the market, notably developers,” stated an official from the Commission.

The Commission has charged Apple for the first time under the historic Digital Markets Act, which aims to limit the influence of big tech. Violating the Act can result in fines of up to 10% of a company’s yearly global turnover.