Excerpt from AInvest Article, Published on July 22, 2025
Apple has announced major reforms to the Apple App Store designed to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes mark a strategic move that balances regulatory demands with preserving Apple’s revenue and ecosystem dominance. In light of a €500 million fine earlier this year for anti-competitive practices, Apple adjusted its App Store fee structure to reduce costs for small developers and to permit external payment options, while still collecting charges for access to its platform infrastructure.
The reformed Apple App Store fee system introduces a base commission of 13% for small developers and tiered fees ranging from 5% to 15% for payments routed outside the store. Additionally, starting in 2026, Apple will implement a Core Technology Commission of €0.50 per install for high-volume apps. These fees help Apple maintain critical revenue streams while adhering to the EU’s requirement to foster more competition.
Despite critics labeling the policy complexities as “malicious compliance,” Apple’s reforms reflect a careful strategy to discourage large-scale developer departure from the App Store ecosystem. The company also enhanced the user experience, allowing users to set default browsers and payment apps, and streamlined sideloading alternative marketplaces to increase choice while maintaining security.
These reforms underline Apple’s approach to long-term ecosystem resilience. With services revenue reaching $26.6 billion in 2025, the Apple App Store remains a key platform for developer engagement and user retention. The company’s proactive compliance minimizes legal risks and protects shareholder value, positioning Apple to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape successfully.
The European Commission is expected to approve these changes soon, helping Apple avoid daily fines of up to 5% of its average daily revenue. This development solidifies Apple’s standing as a market leader balancing innovation, compliance, and profitability.
To delve deeper into this topic, read the AInvest Article.
