Apple changed its policy in the EU to allow developers to communicate with their customers outside its App Store, Euractiv reported.
The move came after the commission accused the company in June of violating the bloc’s technical rules. The Commission said that under most business terms, Apple only allowed management through “link-outs.” In other words, app developers can include a link in their app that redirects a customer to a web page where the customer can sign a contract. Apple stated that developers would now be able to communicate and promote offers from within their app, not just on their own website.
However, Apple will introduce two new fees, an initial 5% fee for new users and a 10% shop service fee on any sales made by app users on any platform within 12 months of installing the app. The company currently charges three types of fees: a basic technology fee for less than 1% of apps, a reduced fee for all digital goods and services sold through the App Store, and an optional fee for payments and commerce services.
The two new fees will replace the reduced fee for all digital goods and services sold through the App Store. However, a Spotify spokesperson criticised Apple’s new policy.
At first glance, by demanding as much as a 25% fee for basic communication with users, Apple once again blatantly disregards the fundamental requirements of the Digital Markets Act.
A Commission official also claimed that Apple went beyond what was strictly necessary for such a remuneration.
We will assess Apple’s eventual changes to the compliance measures, also taking into account any feedback from the market, notably developers.
The charge against Apple is the first brought by the Commission under its Digital Markets Act. The legislation is designed to curb the power of big tech, with violations potentially subject to fines of up to 10 per cent of a company’s global annual turnover.
