Feeling the pinch of app store fees? You’re not alone. A group of 20 app creators and consumer advocates, the Coalition for Apps Fairness (CAF), is urging EU regulators to enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Apple. 🚀
The DMA, in effect since 2023, classifies Apple as a “gatekeeper” and demands zero-fee in-app transactions outside its ecosystem. Despite a record 500 million € fine earlier this year for blocking alternative payment links, Apple’s updated terms still charge 13–20 percent on App Store purchases plus 5–15 percent on external payments.
CAF members like Deezer and Proton argue these fees breach the DMA and leave European developers at a disadvantage compared to their U.S. counterparts, especially after a recent U.S. court decision limited Apple’s fee powers. “Free of charge means free of charge,” says Gene Burrus, CAF’s global policy counsel.
Six months have passed since the Commission ruled Apple’s old policy illegal, yet European devs are still on the hook for extra fees—or forced to pass costs to users. “It’s bad for European companies, and it’s bad for European consumers,” Burrus warns.
Apple has teased further policy changes coming in January, but details are scarce, fueling frustration over transparency and innovation in the app economy. This battle in Brussels could ripple across global tech hubs from Bengaluru to Jakarta.
We’ll be watching how the EU steps up. Stay tuned for more on how this fight for fair fees might shape the future of your favorite apps! 🔍💡
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
