Apple has announced changes to its business terms for apps distributed in the European Union following discussions with the European Commission. The changes introduce a single set of business terms for developers distributing apps in the EU, revise commission rates, allow developers to offer alternative payment options, and expand eligibility for alternative app distribution.
Revised commission structure
Apple is replacing the Core Technology Fee (CTF) with a Core Technology Commission (CTC). The new commission will charge 5% on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store. The new terms also remove the initial acquisition fee and store services fee.
Under the updated commission structure:
- App Store apps using Apple In-App Purchase: 26% commission. For the vast majority of developers, including those in the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, or Video Partner Program, the rate will be 15%.
- Auto-renewing subscriptions after the first year: 15% commission.
- App Store apps using alternative payment processing: 20% commission, or 10% for developers in the programs mentioned above.
- App Store apps linking to the web for purchases: 15% commission, or 10% for developers in the programs mentioned above.
- Apps distributed through alternative app marketplaces or the web: 5% Core Technology Commission.
Alternative payments
Developers will be able to offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options in apps distributed in the EU. They can choose from:
- Apple In-App Purchase
- Alternative payment processing within the app
- Links to the web to complete purchases
- A combination of these options
Developers must generally maintain their selected payment options for 12 months. The selected options are also subject to presentation requirements designed to provide users with a consistent and transparent experience.
Child safety requirements
Apple is introducing additional requirements for apps that use alternative payments in the EU:
- Apps in the Kids category cannot include links to websites for completing transactions.
- For users under 18, apps using alternative payment processing or linking to a website for transactions must include a parental gate requiring the user to involve a parent or guardian before making a purchase.
- For users under 13, apps cannot link to websites for transactions.
- In EU member states where parental consent is required for digital actions for children older than 13, these protections will apply according to the applicable age requirement.
Alternative app marketplaces and web distribution
Apple is expanding eligibility for companies that want to operate alternative app marketplaces or distribute apps through the web in the EU.
Companies can qualify if they:
- Meet a moderate financial stability requirement as scored by Dun & Bradstreet.
- Are publicly traded or owned by a publicly traded company.
- Have received venture funding from an established investment firm.
- Have completed a financial audit by a licensed accountant.
- Are a government entity, educational institution, or nonprofit.
Web distribution is available only in the EU and does not have a marketplace operator providing ongoing oversight. Apps distributed through the web will continue to require Apple’s Notarization process, which focuses on basic functionality and protection against serious threats.
Availability
Developers can sign the new EU business terms starting today. The updated terms will take effect on October 1, 2026.