Next fall, developers in the EU will be able to add links that allow iPhone users to make purchases outside of the developers’ apps. The new rules say developers can publish and promote offers for purchases available at a destination chosen by the developer. These destinations can include alternative app marketplaces, other apps, or websites. The offers can be accessed outside of the app or in the app via a web view.
In the European Union, where the new DMA law opens up competition between app stores, Apple continues its malicious compliance by imposing an illegal new 15% junk fee on users who switch to competing stores and by monitoring commerce on those competing stores.https://t.co/YUYwsnrh32pic.twitter.com/xAWGkOWPrH
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) 8 August 2024
Apple’s share of this pie is 20% for apps that are only available on the App Store. Apps listed on third-party app stores are charged 10% plus additional fees. An additional 5% fee is charged on purchases of digital goods and services on any platform within one year of the app’s first installation. This initial acquisition fee allows Apple to take a 25% commission on purchases made within one year of downloading the app. While automatic renewals and off-platform purchases are included, subscriptions and automatic renewals purchased before downloading the app are off-limits to Apple.
“We are currently reviewing Apple’s deliberately confusing proposal. Apple is once again blatantly disregarding the basic requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission has made it clear that charging recurring fees for basic elements such as pricing and linking is unacceptable. We call on the Commission to accelerate its investigation, impose daily fines and enforce the DMA.” – Jeanne Moran, Spotify spokesperson
How will EU regulators react? Stay tuned.
