Apple has presented research to the General Court of the European Union demonstrating that reduced commission rates under the Digital Markets Act have failed to lower consumer costs for applications and subscriptions. The company argues that modifications to developer fee structures resulted in savings totaling EUR 20.1 million, though approximately 90 percent of developers maintained or raised their pricing rather than passing benefits to users. The study indicates that 86 percent of commission savings went to developers based outside the European Union.
The company altered its developer terms in March of the previous year, introducing a Core Technology Fee of EUR 0.50 per installation for applications exceeding one million annual downloads while reducing transaction percentages. Apple contends the legislation increases compliance expenses without meaningful advantages for consumers, delaying feature releases within the bloc. The company faces additional challenges in the United States following a court mandate to permit external payment systems and reinstate Fortnite, though Apple continues pursuing commissions on those transactions. Similar legal actions have emerged in Australia and China regarding application distribution practices.
The company altered its developer terms in March of the previous year, introducing a Core Technology Fee of EUR 0.50 per installation for applications exceeding one million annual downloads while reducing transaction percentages. Apple contends the legislation increases compliance expenses without meaningful advantages for consumers, delaying feature releases within the bloc. The company faces additional challenges in the United States following a court mandate to permit external payment systems and reinstate Fortnite, though Apple continues pursuing commissions on those transactions. Similar legal actions have emerged in Australia and China regarding application distribution practices.
