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Apple to Allow Alternative App Stores and Payment Systems in EU

Changes in response to EU's Digital Markets Act include reduced App Store commission and return of Fortnite to iOS devices in Europe.

Overview

  • Apple is set to allow alternative app marketplaces and third-party payment systems on its iPhones in the European Union (EU) from March 2024, in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
  • Developers will be able to distribute apps outside of Apple's App Store, but only those that have been pre-approved by Apple. All apps will undergo a notarization process for security checks.
  • Apple will reduce its App Store commission from 30% to 10%-17% for developers who opt to stay within the company's payment-processing system. A new 'Core Technology Fee' of €0.50 will be charged for each install over a million.
  • Third-party browsers in the EU will be able to use alternate browsing engines, allowing apps like Google Chrome to offer the same features as their desktop versions.
  • Fortnite, the popular game by Epic Games, is set to return to iOS devices in Europe in 2024, following a three-year absence due to a lawsuit with Apple over high transaction fees.