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Apple changes App Store rules in EU to comply with antitrust order

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 26, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Apple changes App Store rules in EU to comply with antitrust order
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By Stephen Nellis and Foo Yun Chee SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Apple on Thursday changed rules and fees in its App Store in the European Union after the bloc's antitrust regulators ordered it to remove

Apple Modifies App Store Policies in EU to Meet Antitrust Demands

By Stephen Nellis and Foo Yun Chee

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Apple on Thursday changed rules and fees in its App Store in the European Union after the bloc's antitrust regulators ordered it to remove commercial barriers to sending customers outside the store.

Apple said developers will pay a 20% processing fee for purchases made via the App Store, though the fees could go as low as 13% for Apple's small-business program.

Developers who send customers outside the App Store for payment will pay a minimum fee of 5% and at most 15%. Developers will also be able to use as many links as they wish to send users to outside forms of payment.

The changes are aimed at trying to help Apple avoid a 500 million euro ($570 million) fine threatened by EU antitrust regulators in April.

“The European Commission is requiring Apple to make a series of additional changes to the App Store. We disagree with this outcome and plan to appeal," Apple said in a statement.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco and Foo Yun Chee in Brussels; Editing by Leslie Adler)

Key Takeaways

  • Apple changes App Store rules in the EU due to antitrust order.
  • Developers face new fees for in-store and external payments.
  • Apple aims to avoid a 500 million euro fine from the EU.
  • Developers can now use multiple links for external payments.
  • Apple plans to appeal the European Commission's decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes did Apple make to its App Store in the EU?
Apple changed its rules and fees in the App Store to comply with EU antitrust regulations, including a new processing fee structure for developers.
What are the new processing fees for developers?
Developers will pay a 20% processing fee for App Store purchases, which can drop to 13% for small businesses. If they direct customers outside the App Store, the fees range from 5% to 15%.
Why did Apple implement these changes?
The changes aim to help Apple avoid a potential fine of 500 million euros threatened by EU antitrust regulators.
What is Apple's stance on the EU's antitrust order?
Apple disagrees with the European Commission's outcome and plans to appeal the decision regarding the App Store changes.
Who reported on the changes made by Apple?
The article was reported by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco and Foo Yun Chee in Brussels.

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