Apple changes EU App Store rules to avoid new fines

Apple has changed its business terms for app developers in the European Union after a 500 million euro fine and the risk of further penalties under the bloc's Digital Markets Act.

The European Commission said on Tuesday that it welcomed the changes, which Apple is expected to implement in the EU from October 2026. The commission said Apple had committed to revised terms for developers on iPhone and iPad, allowing them to choose between the App Store, third-party app stores and the web as distribution channels.

The commission fined Apple 500 million euros, or $586 million, in April 2025 after concluding that the company broke EU rules by stopping developers from steering customers outside the App Store to cheaper offers. Apple has appealed the fine.

After the fine, Apple was told to change its practices to comply with the Digital Markets Act or risk periodic penalty payments that could exceed 50 million euros a day. An EU spokesperson said the commission was not considering those payments at this stage and was monitoring Apple's announced measures.

Apple said its changes “resolve Apple's disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative distribution.” The commission said the new terms give developers greater freedom to direct App Store users to other platforms and payment systems. It also said Apple would reduce and simplify App Store fees, and that EU users would be able to use alternative app distribution channels even when travelling outside the bloc.

The Digital Markets Act is one of the EU's main digital laws, alongside the Digital Services Act on online content. Apple has criticised the DMA and argued it had no choice but to make changes under the threat of large fines. A top EU court threw out Apple's challenge last month against applying stricter DMA rules to its iOS operating system and App Store.

US President Donald Trump has criticised EU digital laws and taxes as “non-tariff barriers” to trade, and several technology bosses have aligned with his administration.