Update: Apple Revises App Store Link-Out Rules per the EU DMA, however New Fees Still High -
Apple has revised its App Store's rules to make it more compatible to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) However, the fees associated with Apple's revisions remain a significant amount according to an article in The Verge.
The major changes are described by six bullets on Apple's News and Updates page, and readers are invited to click through to a more detailed guide to the changes in their developer documentation.
Some highlights are promoting "offers to purchase items at a destination of their choice," developers being able to "use an actionable link that can be clicked, tapped or scan, in order to take users to their destination," and that "Updated commercial terms applicable to apps using external Purchase Link Entitlement feature are currently being implemented to be in line with changes made to these capabilities."
The changes will be in effect "this fall" (no more specific start date has been set).
'Nearly Endless 20 Percent Fee to Developers'
Per the article from The Verge, "Apple adds nearly endless 20 % fee to developers with the latest EU update," the updates appear to provide developers with more flexibility in linking to purchasing options that are not available through the App Store.
The costs associated with the new feature are so high and restrictive that "it's hard to imagine anyone using the feature."
It's because for developers who opt into the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (EU) Addendum, the costs associated include a five initial acquisition charge, and the 20% Store Services charge that is applicable for "sales of digital goods and services on any platform, which occur during a predetermined 12-month period starting from the time of install, including app updates and Reinstalls."
The Verge informs us that app updates or reinstalls through the user resets the timer back to 12 months left for the ongoing store service fee. Various other programs and mechanisms could lower fees, including adding support for third-party app stores, charging for certain auto-renewing subscriptions that qualify, or having a developer account in Apple's small business program. However, the ongoing fee of 12 months reset at reinstalls or updates can make them "endless."
A recent TechCrunch article titled "Apple revises DMA conformity to allow App Store link-outs using fewer restrictions as well as the new structure for fees," further clarifies some aspects of Apple's different terms and associated fees. These are both old and new. For example it states that"Store Services Fee" will be "Store Services Fee" will be "a 10% standard commission, or a five discount commission (e.g. developer commissions for those who are enrolled in the App Store's small-business program) in accordance with Apple's contract terms for business; or a 20% standard or the 7% discount offered under Apple's existing terms."
The details on charges for and both of the Alternate Terms Addendum to Apps in the EU and for the StoreKit External Purchase link Entitlement (EU) Addendum can be found in the Commissions section on this Apple support page.
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