There has been very little pushback against Apple's new business terms in the EU, primarily from Epic Games, and even the European Commission has welcomed the changes.
The Digital Markets Act forced Apple to rethink its business model in the European Union, which was initially rejected due to the Core Technology Fee and confusing rates. After going back to the negotiating table, Apple seemingly has found a solution that makes almost everyone happy.
A report from Irish Independent detailed the European Commission's response to Apple's new business terms for the EU. They share that they welcome the changes and will monitor Apple's implementation of the terms.
"The Commission welcomes Apple's changes to their business terms, which follow a close dialogue between the Commission and Apple after the Commission issued a non-compliance decision related to Apple's steering terms as well as preliminary findings related to alternative app distribution, both in April 2025," the spokesperson said.
"Following today's announcement, the Commission will monitor Apple's effective implementation of the new terms. Under the DMA, users in the EU have a right to full and effective choice of alternative app distribution channels."
The point of the DMA was to open up competition and choice for developers, which the EC seems to believe Apple's terms have accomplished. The new rates eliminate the Core Technology fee and rely upon percentages from 5% to 26% based on how the developer interfaces with Apple's platform.
One vocal developer was not happy with the results. Predictably, it was Epic Games.
Epic has made it clear in the US and the EU that any fee above 0% on purchases made outside of the App Store is too much. Given the EC's approval of these new business terms, Epic may have to finally accept the reality of the situation.
Either Epic pays, or it can invent its own smartphone platform to profit from. Of course, Epic will continue to litigate until the sun expires.
We haven't heard the last of Epic either. The lawsuit against Apple involving commission rates is still ongoing as Apple awaits the Supreme Court's decision in October.
