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Following Apple’s introduction in June of a revised EU App Store fee structure to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), new reports indicate that the European Commission is now distributing confidential questionnaires to app developers and related businesses, seeking feedback on the practical impact of the changes in order to assess whether Apple is truly adhering to both the spirit and the letter of the law.
Apple’s updated fee model for the European market not only revised its policy terms but also introduced tiered service fees and a new “Core Technology Fee,” intended to replace the original commission framework. At the time, Apple stressed that these measures were designed to meet EU regulatory requirements and avoid substantial fines.
Reactions, however, have been divided. Some developers argue that while the new structure lowers headline commission rates, overall costs could actually rise—particularly for small developers and startups, for whom the initial acquisition fees and added technical charges may impose significant burdens. Larger developers, meanwhile, worry that although the framework formally relaxes restrictions on third-party payments and distribution channels, the operational costs and risks remain high, undermining the DMA’s original intent of fostering open competition.
A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed that information requests (RFIs) have been sent to developers, with responses due by Monday. These submissions will form the basis of the next phase of compliance evaluation. Should the findings determine that Apple continues to violate the DMA, the Commission may impose fines of up to 5% of Apple’s average daily global turnover from the preceding financial year—an outcome that would represent a considerable financial blow.
It is worth noting that the Digital Markets Act is a cornerstone regulation crafted to curb monopolistic practices by major tech companies and promote fair competition. Whether Apple’s adjustments will be deemed consistent with the principles of openness and fairness will serve as a critical benchmark for other markets worldwide.
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- Australian Department sues Facebook for violating privacy policy
- Google’s Big Concession: A New Policy Could Upend the Play Store in the EU
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