Epic Games dismisses Apple’s simplified EU App Store fees as ‘junk’
Apple has unveiled a revised App Store fee structure for the European Union in an attempt to resolve its long-running dispute with the European Commission, but the move has been branded "junk fees" by Epic Games, while a consumer group remains cautious. The announcement, made on 18 August, is intended to simplify the previous terms that emerged after Apple was fined €500 million for non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), though critics argue it still fails to properly open up competition on iPhones.
Under the new terms, apps using Apple's In-App Purchase system face a 26 percent commission, dropping to 15 percent for qualifying developers and subscriptions past their first year, while alternative payment processing carries a 20 percent rate (10 percent for qualifying developers). Apps linking out to the web for purchases face 15 percent, or 10 percent for qualifying developers, and those distributed via alternative marketplaces pay a 5 percent "Core Technology Commission". Epic Games said the plan does nothing to comply with DMA requirements for free link-outs and effective use of rival stores, while the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) said improvements looked promising "on paper" but questioned whether developers and consumers would actually benefit once fees were passed on and full user flows examined.
- Apple revises EU App Store fees to settle Digital Markets Act dispute.
- Epic Games dismisses the changes as "junk fees" that block real competition.
- Consumer group BEUC cautiously welcomes simpler fees but wants more detail.
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The European Union’s Digital Markets Act is a law designed to make large online platforms more open to competition. Apple runs the App Store, the main way people install apps on iPhones, and sets rules and charges for developers who sell apps or digital services through it.
The European Commission enforces the law and has been examining whether Apple’s rules meet its requirements. Epic Games, which makes Fortnite, has challenged Apple’s App Store practices, while BEUC represents consumer organisations across Europe. The dispute matters because Apple’s fees and rules can affect what developers pay and how easily iPhone users can choose other ways to get apps or make purchases.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Apple has made substantial concessions through a tiered fee structure that significantly reduces commissions for alternative payment methods and web links, whilst offering still-lower rates for qualifying developers. The company has already faced a €500 million fine and must balance regulatory compliance with the legitimate costs of infrastructure, security, and payment processing; simplifying the previous terms and creating multiple pathways for developers to reach consumers represents meaningful progress toward opening the ecosystem.
The case against
Apple's structure still imposes 10-15% fees on web link purchases and a 5% "Core Technology Commission" on alternative stores, which contradicts the DMA's requirement for genuinely free linking and uncontrolled distribution. Apple retains discretionary control over developer eligibility and the thresholds remain restrictive enough that many developers cannot benefit, meaning the fundamental gatekeeping power—and the restricted consumer choice it enables—remains intact rather than yielding to true competition.