Apple is under fire again, this time for its actions in relation to the European Digital Markets Act (DMA).
In an attempt to change the rules of the App Store, Apple allowed developers to use external payment systems, but introduced a new commission system that could have negated all the benefits of the innovations. As a result, Apple’s attempt to “please everyone” led to the opposite effect.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney was the first to respond to this, arguing that it is now unprofitable for developers to distribute their apps through either the App Store or alternative iOS stores.
A representative of the music service Spotify also made a sharp criticism on the social network X, considering Apple’s new conditions illegal. As TechCrunch reports, he called Apple’s offer “deliberately complicated” and, at first glance, not compliant with the DMA’s requirements. In addition, the Spotify representative called on the European Commission to speed up the investigation and impose penalties against Apple.
Apple stands by its position, justifying the introduction of new fees. The company’s representatives claim that the App Store plays a key role in uniting developers and users in the EU countries. In their opinion, the fees are used to support various services, including ensuring security, combating fraud and distributing applications.
European developers who choose to use third-party payment systems under the new rules will be required to pay a fee of between 10% and 27%, depending on how they interact with the App Store and whether they participate in the Small Business Program.
