Apple's Response to the Digital Markets Act Sparks Controversy and Developer Dissatisfaction
TapTechNews August 11th news, Apple has sparked strong dissatisfaction among developers due to its response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). Previously, the EU regulatory agency initially ruled that Apple violated the DMA as the company does not allow app developers to direct users to other channels for content and service purchases.
Facing the pressure, Apple has made some concessions, allowing developers to add links in the app to direct users to make purchases on other platforms.However, developers found that behind Apple's compromise hides a new fee trap.
According to TapTechNews, starting from this autumn, developers in the EU region will be able to add links in the app to direct users to complete the purchase on other platforms.Apple said that developers can promote products purchasable in other app stores, other apps or websites.These links can be accessed outside the app or through a web view within the app.
But the problem is that Apple has simultaneously introduced a new store service fee, that is, within the first year after a user installs an app, developers need to pay a certain percentage of the fee to Apple for selling digital goods or services on any platform.This means that even if the user buys a product on another app store or the developer's website, Apple can still take a cut, even when purchasing goods on a Windows computer.What's worse is that if the user reinstalls or updates the app, this one-year fee-paying cycle will start anew.
Apple's fee standards are as follows: 20% commission for apps only available on the AppStore; 10% commission plus other fees for apps available on third-party app stores; in addition, within one year after the user installs the app, for purchasing digital goods and services on any platform, Apple will charge an additional 5% fee.This means that Apple can get up to 25% share from the user's purchase behavior within one year after downloading the app.
A spokesperson for Spotify, Jeanne Moran, said: We are evaluating Apple's deliberately confusing proposal.Apple once again blatantly ignores the basic requirements of the Digital Markets Act.The European Commission has clearly stated that charging duplicate fees for basic elements such as pricing and links is unacceptable.We call on the commission to expedite the investigation, implement daily fines and enforce the DMA.
Apple argues that the AppStore provides value for developers to connect with EU consumers, so an initial acquisition fee is required, while the store service fee reflects the continuous services and functions provided by Apple to developers.However, many well-known developers including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney and music streaming service Spotify have strongly opposed this.
How the EU regulatory agency will respond to this controversy is of great concern.