Apple has introduced new, simplified App Store terms for developers distributing in the European Union following extensive negotiations with EU regulators. The changes eliminate most core technology fees, replacing them with percentage-based commissions. Apps using Apple In-App Purchase now face a 26 percent commission, while the majority of developers—including auto-renewing subscriptions after the first year—pay just 15 percent. Alternative payment processing carries a 20 percent fee, and apps linking to external payments see the rate drop to 15 percent. Special programs such as the App Store Small Business Program reduce rates to 10 percent.

For apps distributed through alternative marketplaces or the web, Apple charges a 5 percent Core Technology Commission. Child safety protections apply to apps using alternative payments: kids category apps cannot include links to websites for transactions, and parental gates are required for users under 18. Users under 13 cannot link out to websites at all.

Financial eligibility requirements have been relaxed, with hard limits replaced by audit-based verification. Developers must meet only one of five criteria: moderate financial stability per Dun & Bradstreet, public trading status, venture funding, financial audit, or nonprofit/government/educational status. Apple emphasizes it is not liable for apps distributed via web channels without marketplace oversight, though all alternative distributions still require Notarization.