Apple has announced a review of working conditions for EU developers, introducing a simplified commission structure for the App Store and possible alternative ways to distribute apps. The new rules will also affect some existing fees, the report said 9 to 5.
Image source: Apple (modified)
The new rules will come into effect on October 1 and will replace the current Core Technology Fee (CTF). The previous CTF charged a fee per app install after reaching a certain number of downloads, but now the Core Technology Committee has been introduced, charging 5% of app transactions distributed outside the Apple store.
At the same time, Apple will cancel the initial purchase fee and store service fees. Commissions for purchases made through in-app links will be reduced to 15%. For developers participating in special programs, including the App Store Small Business Program, Small App Partner Program, and Video Partner Program, as well as subscriptions that automatically renew after the first year, the commission will be 10%.
These changes will also affect other payment methods. For apps in the App Store that use Apple’s in-app purchases, the base fee will be 26%, while if you use an alternative payment system, the base fee will drop to 20%. In this case, the developers of the above projects will pay 15% and 10% respectively. Apple will also allow Apple to offer both its own in-app purchase system and alternative payment methods, including through website links, if developers comply with the company’s display requirements and keep their payment options open for 12 months.
The Company pays special attention to the safety of underage users. Apps in the children’s category are prohibited from posting links to external websites for transactions, and parental controls have been introduced for users under 18 years of age, requiring adults to confirm purchases. For children under 13 years of age, transition to external resources for payment purposes is completely prohibited.
In addition, Apple will expand the scope of developers allowed to distribute applications through alternative stores or directly through the website. Applicants must demonstrate credibility through audits, venture capital funding or government agency status. At the same time, due to the lack of regular platform control over online delivery, Apple will retain the mandatory Apple notarization process for all programs distributed outside the official store.
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