Apple revises App Store rules to avoid further EU fines

Apple has updated its App Store policies in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and avoid further penalties.

According to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter, the European Commission is likely to approve the proposed changes in the coming weeks.

The revised rules were published after EU antitrust regulators fined Apple €500 million in April for imposing technical and commercial restrictions that prevented app developers from directing users to external websites offering better subscription deals—an explicit violation of the DMA.

Apple was given 60 days to address the Commission’s concerns. As a result, the updated policy now includes:

• No limits on the number of external links developers can add to third-party payment systems;
• A commission fee ranging from 5% to 15% on external transactions, depending on specific terms;
• A reduced in-app commission of 13%–20%, including discounted rates for small businesses.

Previously, regulators criticized Apple for restricting the language developers could use near external links and for allowing only one third-party payment option. These restrictions have now been lifted.

The European Commission confirmed that it is reviewing Apple’s updated policy but has not yet made a final decision:

All options remain on the table. We are still assessing Apple’s proposed changes.

Approval is expected within weeks, potentially sparing Apple from daily fines that could have reached tens of millions of euros.