Apple today announced changes to its App Store policies and fees in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Apple says the changes were made after "close collaboration" with the European Commission, and the updates simplify the fee structure and "resolve Apple's disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative distribution."

The initial acquisition fee and store services fee are being removed for apps distributed outside of the App Store, and Apple will now charge a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital purchases that replaces the prior per-install Core Technology Fee.

Apple is relaxing the rules for operating an alternative app marketplace or distributing apps via the web in the European Union. Apple used to require developers to have a one million euro standby letter of credit from an A-rated financial institution, but the new rules are as follows: Meet a moderate financial-stability bar as scored by Dun & Bradstreet, are publicly traded or owned by a publicly traded company, have received venture funding from an established investment firm, have completed a financial audit by a licensed accountant, or are a government entity, educational institution, or nonprofit.

Developers can sign the new terms starting today, and the changes go into effect on October 1.