Apple has announced changes to its App Store rules. These changes can give more flexibility for app developers as they introduce a new fee structure.
Previously, Apple imposed strict limitations on how apps could link out to external websites, especially for promoting alternative payment methods. But under the new rules, developers will have much more freedom to include dynamic links within their apps, which will then give users the access to navigate to external platforms. These links can now open within the app itself.
Not just this, Apple is also updating the user disclosure sheet with a more user-friendly design and an option to opt out of future disclosures to improve transparency. Even though developers currently need to implement this sheet manually, Apple plans to automate the process in a future iOS update.
But like everything else in life, these increased freedoms come with a price. Apple is introducing a two-tiered fee system for apps that link out to external websites.
- The Initial Acquisition Fee applies to new app users for the first year while
- the Store Services Fee continues as long as the user engages with the app.
The specific fee rates vary based on the developer’s choice of business terms.
As reported by 9to5Mac:
For eligible developers operating under the EU alternative business terms, the Core Technology Fee still applies on installs. The Initial Acquisition Fee is 5% and the Store Services Fee is 10% (reduced to 5% for members of the App Store Small Business Program).
For developers offering apps under the standard business terms, the Core Technology Fee does not apply, and the associated link-out commission fee rates are increased, with an Initial Acquisition Fee of 5% and a Store Services Fee of 20% (reduced to 7% for members of the App Store Small Business Program).
Apple says its new setup means developers pay less money than before. But, because working out the costs is complicated, there’s a chance fees could be higher in some cases.
Overall, it’s safe to say that the EU’s Digital Markets Act has undoubtedly driven these changes, and it will be interesting to observe how Apple adapts to the evolving regulatory landscape.