Apple and the European Commission have reached an agreement on new App Store rules for the EU, effective October 1. Developers can now use third-party payment processors, link to external websites, or stick with Apple's In-App Purchase system. For most developers, including those in the Small Business Program, the commission drops to 15%, down from the standard 26% for Apple's own payment system. Alternative payment processing carries a 20% fee, while linking out reduces it to 15%. Apps using alternative marketplaces or web distribution face a 5% Core Technology Commission.

Certain restrictions apply: Kids category apps cannot link externally, users under 13 are blocked from external purchases, and those aged 13-17 require parental approval for third-party transactions. Developers must choose their payment combination and maintain it for 12 months.

Apple has also expanded eligibility for companies operating alternative app stores, requiring financial stability, public trading status, venture funding, or nonprofit/government status. Separately, a US judge has ordered Apple to modify commission rates in the United States.