The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is introducing significant changes for major technology companies operating within the European Union. On Thursday, Apple announced that it’ll update the rules for app developers in its ecosystem to comply with current legislation.
This change is noteworthy as Apple has long maintained a closed and rather restrictive philosophy. However, starting this fall, external links will be visible in apps.
Fewer Limitations for Developers, More Choices for Users
The changes took effect on Thursday for developers, who now have access to the resources to start including them in their iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, and watchOS 11 apps. However, these changes will be visible to users in about a month’s time.
You might be wondering what kinds of links the Cupertino company will allow. There’s a significant steering approach on this front. Developers will have the ability to include promotional communication links, such as linking to an alternative app store, another app, or a web page.
According to Apple’s press release, developers are now permitted to “design and execute within their apps the communication and promotion of offers. This includes providing information about prices of subscriptions or any other offer available both within and outside the app.”
In addition, Apple is also allowing apps to include instructions on how to subscribe to offers outside the app: “These communications must provide accurate information regarding the digital goods or services available for purchase.”
Commissions Are Still in Place
Apple will continue to apply commissions to all sales made through external links. However, the commission rate for external sales will be lower than the rate applied to sales made through the App Store. The specific commission amount will depend on developer’s metrics such as turnover and number of downloads.
|
Fee |
Time period |
Rate for most developers |
Reduced rate (Small Business Program or qualifying auto-renewal subscriptions) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Initial Acquisition Fee |
12 months after an initial install |
5% |
5% |
|
Store Services Fee (with External Purchase Link) |
12 months after an install (recurs with update or reinstall) |
20% |
7% |
|
Store Services Fee (with App Store payment or Alternative PSP) |
12 months after an install (recurs with update or reinstall) |
10% |
5% |
|
App Store Payment Processing Fee |
Per transaction |
3% |
3% |
Under the new rules, developers are required to notify users that transactions are taking place on an external platform rather than on Apple’s platform. The table above outlines the fees that Apple will charge following this announcement.
This article was written by Javier Marquez and originally published in Spanish on Xataka.
Image | Apple
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