Tim Sweeney strongly criticizes the modifications Apple made to the App Store in the EU, calling them illegal.
The ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple continues. While Apple has appealed and requested a new judge, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has strongly criticized the modifications Apple made to the App Store in the EU. These changes are focused on communications and promotions for alternative payment methods, following the requirements of the Digital Markets Act. However, Sweeney believes these changes are practically illegal.
A Mockery, According to Sweeney
Apple recently announced a revision of the App Store guidelines (in the EU). The main change is the Core Technology Commission, which involves paying a commission on sales rather than on app downloads. Sweeney’s response was immediate. In a post on X, he expressed his dissent, calling the practices illegal and mocking Europe.
“Apple’s new Digital Markets Act malicious compliance scheme is blatantly unlawful in both Europe and the United States and makes a mockery of fair competition in digital markets,” he wrote. The CEO further argues that Apple doesn’t just collect commissions but creates a real commercial handicap within the store, all while pretending to comply with the authorities’ demands.
The Main Changes
Apple has introduced a fee structure. It starts with the Store Services Fee, which varies depending on the service level. For essential services provided by the developer, the commission is 5%, while for full services, it increases to 13%.
Next is the Initial Acquisition Fee, a 2% tax for users who have downloaded the app for the first time. This tax is applicable for the first six months.
Finally, the Core Technology Fee requires a fee of €0.50 when the application exceeds one million annual installations. If developers choose to maintain the previous terms, a 30% commission applies to all sales outside the App Store. Small Business Program participants are subject to a reduced 15% commission.
Meanwhile, regarding the Epic Games case, Apple remains unsatisfied with the results and has decided to appeal and request a new judge. Additionally, Apple was recently forced to allow developers to redirect users to their own sites, enabling alternative payment methods without the previous fees imposed in the United States. The long legal battle seems far from over.
