Apple to Allow Third-Party App Stores in EU

Developers Criticize New Rules, Arguing They Still Stifle Competition

Apple will allow iPhone users in the EU to download apps from third-party app stores starting March 2024, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Developers can use third-party payment systems inside apps offered by the Apple App Store for free, and will pay a reduced commission of up to 17% for in-app goods and services.
Developers will pay a 'Core Technology Fee' of €0.50 ($0.54) for every new installation over the first 1 million — this fee renews every 12 months the app is installed.
Apple's new rules have been criticized by Epic Games, Spotify, and the Coalition for App Fairness, who argue the changes still stifle competition and maintain Apple's monopoly.
The European Commission will review Apple's new rules once enforcement of the DMA goes into effect in March.