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European app developers are pushing the EU to intervene after a recent US court ruling forced Apple to stop charging commissions on payments processed outside the App Store. Developers say Apple’s current European fee setup gives US companies an unfair edge and hurts both businesses and consumers here.
Why the decision in the US matters in Europe
The 9th Circuit Court in the United States ordered Apple to cease charging developers a commission on purchases routed outside the App Store. In Europe, however, Apple introduced a new two-tier fee system following a €500 million fine: a lower commission for in‑App Store payments but a reported 5% fee (or more) on payments made off‑store. That approach undermines the spirit of EU rules for so‑called gatekeepers, which should allow developers to offer and advertise outside payment options without extra levies.
A newly formed Coalition for App Fairness — which includes high‑profile members such as Epic and Spotify — has amplified the call for EU action. Gene Burrus, Global Policy Counsel for the coalition, warns that the fee structure forces European developers to either absorb higher costs or pass them onto consumers. The result, he says, is less competition and higher prices for European users.
Developers also point out uncertainty on the horizon. Apple has signalled further policy changes coming in 2026 but has not disclosed details yet. With the new year only weeks away, many European studios and platforms say regulators should step in now to prevent another uneven playing field.
So what happens next? The debate will likely land on EU regulators’ desks, where enforcement of gatekeeper rules under European law could force Apple to align its fees with the US ruling — or at least to justify any differences. For small and mid‑sized developers, that outcome could mean the difference between scaling a global app business and being squeezed out by extra charges.
Source: gsmarena
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