Post by : Bianca
Haleem
A group of 20 app developers and consumer advocates from Europe is urging regulatory bodies to ensure Apple adheres to fair practices, claiming that the company’s App Store fees still pose significant challenges for European developers compared to their American counterparts.
This appeal follows a U.S. court decision that restricts Apple's ability to impose fees on outside transactions, underscoring disparities in treatment for developers on both sides of the ocean.
According to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), major tech companies like Apple—designated as “gatekeepers”—are required to permit in-app payments outside their platforms without levying additional charges. However, Apple’s latest policy shifts still maintain fees ranging from 13% for smaller businesses to 20% for App Store transactions, along with extra charges of 5% to 15% for external payments.
The Coalition for Apps Fairness (CAF), which counts companies like Deezer and Proton among its members, contends that these adjustments still fall short of compliance with EU law. CAF emphasizes that European developers are left to either bear the costs or transfer them to consumers, resulting in a competitive disadvantage.
In the aftermath of the European Commission’s €500 million fine against Apple for violating the DMA, developers argue that the updated terms do not fully address compliance issues, leaving a cloud of uncertainty regarding policy changes expected in January.
Industry experts point out that the absence of clear guidance negatively affects both innovation and the overall app market within Europe, as smaller developers find it hard to compete with U.S. firms due to heavier fee burdens.
English
