In the EU, developers can now distribute apps through stores other than Apple's App Store and can use payment systems other than Apple's own, but Apple may still charge fees on those alternative transactions.
EU consumers may gain access to apps through alternative marketplaces that were previously unavailable through the App Store, potentially at different prices, but the practical impact depends on which alternative marketplaces emerge and whether Apple's fee structure makes alternatives commercially viable for developers.
How other platforms handle this
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This is a significant change forced by the EU's Digital Markets Act — but Apple's 'Core Technology Fee' on alternative transactions means developers may still owe Apple money even when not using Apple's systems.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision directly implements EU DMA Art. 6(4) (obligation on gatekeepers to allow third-party app stores and side-loading on iOS) and Art. 5(7) (prohibition on requiring developers to use Apple's IAP). Enforced by the European Commission DG COMP with fines up to 10% of global annual turnover for first violations, 20% for repeat violations, and potential periodic penalty payments. The 'Core Technology Fee' (€0.50 per first annual install beyond 1 million) has been subject to European Commission scrutiny as a potential DMA circumvention mechanism.
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