Apple has announced additional modifications to its policies in line with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). A noteworthy change is the allowance for alternative app payments and app stores, reflecting a broader global policy for game-streaming apps.
Despite this adaptation, Apple remains cautious about fully complying with the DMA, expressing concerns that the imposed measures may increase vulnerability to privacy and security threats on its platforms.
Apple asserted its commitment to safeguarding the privacy, security, and quality of the iOS user experience within the constraints of the DMA. These changes are slated to come into effect in March.
In the United States, Apple is extending its platform to accommodate alternative payment processing, but it will levy a 27% commission on all such transactions.
In Europe, developers can opt to adhere to their existing business terms or switch to new terms, allowing alternative distribution and payment processing.
Under the new terms, Apple will charge a commission of up to 17% on transactions for digital goods and services. Developers also have the option to use the App Store’s payment processing for an additional 3% fee.
Moreover, these adjustments introduce a “core technology fee” of €0.50 for each install per year after the initial million installs. This fee is applicable to apps irrespective of whether they are distributed through Apple or an alternative marketplace.
Tim Sweeney, the founder of Epic, quickly weighed in on Apple’s new policy through social media, denouncing it as “a devious new instance of malicious compliance.” Sweeney criticized the alleged coercion of developers to choose between App Store exclusivity and potentially violating DMA or accepting what he deemed an illegal anticompetitive scheme, complete with new fees and taxes.
Despite this criticism, Epic has announced the return of Fortnite to Apple devices this year, with distribution through the new Epic Games Store for iOS.
