Apple will Implement Alternative App Stores in Europe Amidst Resistance and Criticism
Apple has announced it will allow alternative app payments and app stores on its platform in Europe, complying with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This significant policy shift, effective from March, comes amidst Apple's expressed concerns about potential privacy and security risks.
Despite these reservations, Apple aims to maintain the privacy, security, and quality of the iOS user experience within the DMA's framework. In the US, while opening up to alternative payment processing, Apple will impose a 27% commission on all such transactions.
The new European policy allows developers to either stick with existing business terms or opt for new terms enabling alternative distribution and payment processing. Under these new terms, Apple will levy up to a 17% commission on digital transactions, with an additional 3% fee for using the App Store's payment system. Furthermore, a "core technology fee" of 0.50 EUR per install per year, after the first million installs, will be charged for apps distributed through Apple or other marketplaces.
Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney criticized the move, labeling it "a devious instance of malicious compliance" and accusing Apple of introducing "new anticompetitive schemes." Despite these criticisms, Epic plans to launch the Epic Games Store for iOS and return Fortnite to Apple devices. Epic continues to challenge Apple's policies in legal and regulatory arenas.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz