From Nasdaq:

Apple has agreed to allow developers in Europe to distribute their apps directly to consumers, in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This move could impact Apple’s high profit margins from its App Store, where it charges developers fees of up to 30%.

The changes will allow developers to distribute apps to EU customers from their own websites, bypassing the App Store. Developers must still meet Apple’s terms and conditions and pay a 50 euro cents per user account core technology fee.

The Digital Markets Act aims to create a level playing field for tech giants like Apple and promote competition in Europe. Apple will allow users in the EU to install apps from alternative app marketplaces in iOS 17.4 and later.

Apple’s stock rose 0.6% after the announcement, reducing its 2024 loss to 10%. This move comes as Apple faces challenges in revenue and smartphone demand in China, and competition from rivals in the tech industry.

Under pressure from regulators, Apple is making concessions such as allowing Epic Games to put its own game store on Apple devices in Europe. Apple is also appealing a 1.84 billion euro fine for anticompetitive behavior related to the App Store.



Read more at Nasdaq: Apple retreats in fight to defend App Store in Europe