European app developers are urging regulators to take a harder line on Apple’s Digital Markets Act compliance. While EU officials have signaled some satisfaction with Apple’s proposed changes, developers say recent court decisions in the United States expose a growing gap that leaves Europe worse off. They want the Commission to step in before the imbalance becomes permanent.
Developers argue that Apple’s revised fee structure still limits real choice. Under the current plan, Apple charges up to 20 percent on App Store purchases and adds extra fees of 5 to 15 percent on external transactions. You end up paying more to reach customers, or you pass those costs on to users. Either way, developers say the burden stays in Europe.
Developers cite U.S. court ruling
Reuters reports that the Coalition for App Fairness is leading the push for tougher enforcement. The group points to a recent ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which rejected Apple’s 27 percent commission on web-based purchases. The court encouraged both sides to agree on a fairer rate or let the court set one.
Based on that decision, the coalition says U.S. developers now face better terms than their European counterparts. According to the group, this creates an uneven playing field that directly conflicts with the DMA’s goals.
The DMA requires gatekeepers like Apple to allow alternative payment methods at no charge. Developers say Apple’s structure ignores that rule in practice. You either absorb new fees or raise prices for users. The coalition says that is not what lawmakers intended.
“This situation is untenable and damaging to the app economy,” the group said in a statement. It also accused Apple of reducing transparency and slowing innovation across the ecosystem.
Calls for stronger enforcement
Developers note that six months have passed since the EU fined Apple €500 million for breaching the DMA. They say little has changed on the ground. Many still feel locked into fees that limit growth and choice.
Gene Burrus, global policy counsel for the coalition, summed up the frustration. “It is bad for European companies, and it is bad for European consumers,” he said. He added that regulators should make it clear that “free of charge means free of charge.”
Apple has promised more policy changes in January, but has not shared details. Until that happens, developers want regulators to act now and, if needed, take the issue to the European Court of Justice.
