Apple has updated its compliance plan for the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) rulebook, which now provides iOS developers with more flexibility in distributing and promoting their content on the mobile platform.
The European Commission is currently investigating Apple for potential non-compliance with the DMA, which could result in significant fines. In response to ongoing enforcement actions, Apple has revised its compliance plan based on developer feedback.
Developers in the EU can now include external offers in their iOS apps without accepting new business terms or paying the Core Technology Fee. Apple has loosened restrictions on how developers can communicate external offers and what types of offers they can promote.
Additionally, Apple has introduced the option for users to opt-out of notifications regarding transacting outside the App Store. The company has updated its fee structure for link-outs, introducing new fees for purchases made via external channels.
New fee structure for link-outs
Apple has introduced an “Initial Acquisition Fee” and a “Store Services Fee” for purchases completed through link-outs. The fees are designed to reflect the value of the App Store’s services and ongoing support for developers.
The Initial Acquisition Fee will apply to new users on the platform for the first 12 months, while the Store Services Fee will be charged on sales of digital goods and services made by app users within a 12-month period.
Apple has adjusted the commission rates for developers enrolled in the App Store’s small business program, offering discounts on the standard fees. The revisions aim to lower costs for developers using link-outs through the App Store.
