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Sarah Bond, Microsoft’s Xbox president, criticized Apple’s plans for compliance with the European Union’s regulations, as a “step in the wrong direction.” Her comments add to those of Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who have also criticized Apple for its stance.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act regulation, which goes into effect on March 7, requires “gatekeeper” companies such as Apple and Google to allow for alternative app stores and web shops in order to address the power of the platform companies’ app stores. Apple proposed policy changes for the App Store which included a new Core Technology Fee for apps being taken to third-party app stores in the EU. Additionally, Apple will require developers to pay half a euro for each annual app install after an app exceeds a million downloads and to pay a 17% commission from third-party payment processors.
Microsoft’s Xbox and Epic Games are among the companies looking to provide alternative app stores and platforms that compete with Apple and Google. Both companies have been critical of the new policy changes, with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney referring to them as “hot garbage.” Spotify CEO Daniel Ek also accused Apple of “extortion” with its new App Store tax.
Apple’s app store changes have impacted companies like Microsoft and Epic Games, which are striving to bring their platforms to Apple’s devices. Apple also recently announced changes to enable cloud gaming services on the App Store, in a shift from its previous stance.
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