Apple is making significant updates to its App Store linking rules and fees to align with the Digital Markets Act in the European Union. This change allows apps distributed through EU storefronts to openly share information about purchasing options outside the App Store, including alternative marketplaces and websites.
Developers can use web views or native app experiences to facilitate these alternative purchases and provide promotional offers within their applications. Developers now have the ability to craft and administer promotional offers while including subscription pricing and other details on deals both within and outside the app.
Apple has indicated that developers promoting digital goods will be required to agree to new business terms that involve an initial acquisition fee and a store services fee. Notably, developers utilizing the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement will incur an additional fee known as the Core Technology Commission (CTC).
Apple justifies this fee by highlighting the ongoing investments it makes in the tools and technologies that support app development. By January 1, 2026, Apple plans to implement a unified business model across the EU for all developers, transitioning from the current Core Technology Fee (CTF) to the new Core Technology Commission (CTC) for digital transactions.
There will be different fees based on whether apps contain actionable purchase links or merely reference deals outside the App Store. Developers utilizing the External Purchase Link Entitlement will pay CTC, while those without actionable links will continue with the CTF until the switch to the new model is fully established.
Furthermore, Apple is introducing a two-tier store services system: Tier 1 is mandatory for apps promoting offers and includes reduced fees, while Tier 2 is optional and provides additional capabilities. Developers opting for Tier 1 will lose some features available in Tier 2, including app insights and marketing services.
These updates also require developers to report external transactions to Apple through the External Purchase Server API for fee calculations, and they are barred from offering both in-app purchases and alternative payment methods within the same app on EU storefronts. Starting with iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, users will notice a new interface for downloading apps from alternative sources.
Apple has expressed disagreement with these mandated changes and intends to appeal the European Commission’s decision.
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