Apple updates EU Developer Program terms (Core Technology Commission)

Apple’s Changes for apps in the European Union page records that the Apple Developer Program License Agreement was updated on 18 August 2026. Primary updates take effect on 1 October 2026.

Business-term changes that matter for F2P

Apps distributed in the EU move to a unified set of terms under which Apple charges commission on digital goods and services. The Core Technology Fee (per-install fee for extraordinary scale) is replaced by the Core Technology Commission: a 5% commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store (alternative marketplaces / Web Distribution). The page also states elimination of the Initial Acquisition Fee and Store Services Fee under the new unified terms.

On the App Store in EU storefronts, developers can offer alternative payment methods alongside Apple In-App Purchase, but must maintain their chosen payment options for 12 months. Child-safety rules apply to alternative payments (parental gates by age band; Kids-category limits). Eligibility to operate an alternative marketplace or use Web Distribution expands from 1 October 2026 under listed financial-stability criteria.

Illustrative App Store commission table on the page (subject to programme participation): Apple IAP 26% (15% for Small Business / certain programmes); alternative in-app payment processing 20% (10% for programme participants); out-of-app actionable-link store services commission 15% / 10% for qualifying cases, on sales within 7 days of link tap.

Operator action

Figures are Apple’s published rates on the support page, not measured payback for any title.

Download the change-log card.