Apple has recently unveiled notable alterations to its App Store regulations within the European Union, hinting at a potential cut in its standard commission from 30% to 20%. This would be the inaugural instance of Apple reducing its commission for all developers and could assist in addressing persistent legal disputes with antitrust authorities worldwide.
Nevertheless, the new regulations are significantly intricate. They apply solely to applications distributed via Apple’s App Store and do not impact those utilizing alternative marketplaces or certain promotional deals. Developers are now presented with a dilemma between a 5% and a 13% commission, with some developers possibly facing a 10% reduction during specific periods. The shift from fixed-price fees to percentage-based fees is also undergoing changes, as Apple is presently contesting the rationale for these adjustments.
Industry insiders have voiced their irritation regarding the perplexing nature of the new regulations. Ryan Jones, the founder of Flighty, remarked that many individuals struggle to grasp the effects of the modifications. John Gruber pointed out that the complexity might be deliberate, making it difficult for developers and the general public to clearly express their concerns about Apple.
One interpretation of the new regulations indicates that developers in the EU may incur a 20% commission on in-app purchases, raising questions regarding a potential global implementation of this diminished rate. If this is accurate, it would result in an inequality where EU developers enjoy a more favorable division compared to those in other territories, unless Apple intends to apply similar modifications globally.
Considering Apple’s ongoing antitrust confrontations, including those in its home territory of the US, a worldwide reduction in the commission could serve as a strategic effort to restore developer goodwill and alleviate regulatory oversight.
