Apple reduces fees for digital transactions outside its store to 5% and announces other changes in the EU
Again, Apple announces changes for the European Union related to applications and the store App Store. According to the apple giant, after close collaboration with the European Commission, a series of improvements have been made that resolve the discrepancies between both regarding commercial terms and alternative application distribution (third party stores). A process that defines simplification for developers in the European Union and that will come into force from October 1.
Reduction of commissions and new rates for alternative distribution
The improvements are clearly defined for developers, advantages pursued by the European Commission to eliminate the abusive fees that Apple charged for distributing applications in its store and even outside its store.
Apple has reduced to a 5% commission on digital transactions of applications distributed outside the Apple store. This commission replaces the Basic Technology Fee applied to each installation of apps whose scope was greater. The initial acquisition fee and store service fee have also been waived.
Other changes introduced establish a 26% fee for developers using Apple’s in-app purchase featurealthough many will have 15% such as those enrolled in the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program or Video Partner Program. If they use an alternative payment method, the commission will be 20%, although for developers who are in the programs mentioned above it will be 10%.
If your application is in the App Store, but includes an external purchase link, the commission will be 15%, although for these developers of the programs mentioned above it will be 10%. If the application is distributed through other stores or the web, the commission will be 5%.
Combined payment methods and new protections for minors with parental controls
Developers can now offer integrated purchases through the Apple platformas well as other payment options. Thus, when making the payment, users will be able to choose between an integrated purchase with Apple, an alternative payment in the application itself, a link to a website or several of these combined methods. These options must be maintained for at least 12 months.
The apple giant has also introduced new changes related to child protection measures for alternative payment methods. Apps for children will not include links to payment websites, in order to reduce the risk for them. Users under 18 years of age will have to pass a parental control to complete alternative payments, the participation of parents or guardians will be required. If the user is under 13 years of age, the application may also not contain links to paid websites to reduce the risk of scams.
There are also new financial solvency requirements for alternative stores and developers
Finally, Apple has expanded the requirements for the distribution of applications through the website or for them to be sold in alternative stores. They will be able to carry out this type of transactions if they meet these requirements:
- Meet a moderate level of financial stability according to the Dun & Bradstreet score.
- They are publicly traded or owned by a publicly traded company.
- They have received venture capital funding from an established investment firm.
- They have been able to complete a financial audit conducted by a certified public professional.
- They are a government entity, educational institution or non-profit organization.
With this Apple has ended its disagreements with the European Commissionat least for now. Apple continues to defend that its application store is the most secure, along with its integrated payment system, although it is also the method that generates the highest commission for them.
