Apple overhauls App Store rules in EU to avoid fine
What's the story
Apple has announced changes to its App Store policies and fees in the European Union. The decision comes after the bloc's antitrust regulators asked the tech giant to eliminate commercial barriers that prevent customers from making purchases outside of its store. The new rules are aimed at helping Apple avoid a potential €500 million fine threatened by EU regulators in April.
Fee changes
Apple's new tier-based system
Under the revised rules, developers will now pay a processing fee based on a new tier system: 13% for full access to App Store features (Tier 2) and 5% for basic features (Tier 1). For developers who redirect customers to make payments outside of the App Store, a 5% Core Technology Commission will be charged.
Link usage
Apple plans to appeal against EU's decision
The updated rules also give developers the freedom to use as many links as they want to redirect users toward external payment methods. This change is part of Apple's effort to comply with EU regulations and provide more flexibility to developers on its platform. Apple still plans on appealing the penalty served to it for violating EU's DMA rules.