Apple announced new unified business terms for apps distributed in the EU, replacing the Core Technology Fee and easing restrictions on alternative payments, following collaboration with the European Commission.
Aug 18, 2026
13d agoKey Details
- Replaces the Core Technology Fee with a 5 percent Core Technology Commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store
- Eliminates the initial acquisition fee and store services fee
- Allows developers to offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options in the EU for the first time
- Adds child safety protections for alternative payments, including parental gates for users under 18 and a ban on payment links to websites for users under 13
- Expands eligibility criteria for operating alternative app marketplaces or distributing apps via the web
- Developers can sign the new terms starting today; changes take effect October 1