Apple has notified developers in the European region about changes to app development rules following the European Commission’s accusation that Apple may have violated the DMA law by not giving developers enough freedom. The key issue under this law is the insertion of links in apps to redirect to external websites for payment and offer lower prices than the In-App payment system that Apple previously restricted.
In the revised app development guidelines by Apple, it states that apps can now insert links to redirect externally, even allowing links to cheaper payment methods. These links can also include parameters but are prohibited from being used for advertising or tracking user history. Additionally, these links can now open through an in-app web view instead of requiring an external browser.
This new provision also allows developers who wish to benefit from these changes to not be obligated to accept the new conditions of the App Store, which include paying the Core Technology Fee. However, Apple has introduced a fee structure to replace it, as detailed below:
For developers developing apps on the App Store using the new agreement with the Core Technology Fee, there will be additional fees incurred:
– Initial Acquisition Fee of 5%
– Store Services Fee of 10% (calculated at 5% for small developers who meet the criteria)
For developers using the old agreement with the App Store, there will also be additional fees incurred:
– Initial Acquisition Fee of 5%
– Store Services Fee of 20% (calculated at 7% for small developers who meet the criteria)
Apple mentioned that in both cases, developers will have reduced fees to pay, depending on which conditions they find more suitable.
TLDR: Apple informs European developers about changing app development rules due to accusation of violating DMA law. New guidelines allow for links in apps to external sites for payments and offers. Developers can choose between new Core Technology Fee or old fee structure.
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