By admin 
Imagine launching an app on your iPhone, only to be surprised by new Apple App Store rules that flip the script on fees, payment links, and EU compliance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Apple App Store policy changes 2025—promising clarity, legal insight, and real‑world tips for developers and users alike.
What Are Apple’s Changes in 2025?
In 2025, Apple dramatically updated its App Store rules to comply with regulatory demands both in the U.S. and the European Union.
New Fee Tiers & Developer‑Friendly Model
- Introduced Tier 1 and Tier 2 on developer fees, expanding the small‑business program.
- Lower 30% cut to a 27% commission for high-revenue apps.
- Enhanced options for revenue penalty relief and per‑install fee
External Payments & Linking Allowed
- Permitted external payments, links, buttons, and calls to action under revised anti‑steering rules.
- Developers can now redirect users to external websites for digital purchases or subscription sign‑ups.
Why These Changes? The EU & Antitrust Scrutiny
Apple’s updates follow growing pressure from antitrust regulators, particularly the European Commission, the Core Technology Commission (CTC), and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
EU Enforcer Steps In
- In Brussels, the antitrust watchdog launched an antitrust investigation after complaints from rivals like Spotify and Epic Games.
- Potential fines touched on €500 million, with daily fines up to €50 million euros for delays.
U.S. Court Rulings & Epic Games Lawsuit
- Following the 2020 and 2021 court decision and injunction, Apple faced a crushing antitrust settlement.
- The Epic Games lawsuit led to an appeal and partial green light for non‑Apple payment mechanisms, though Apple fought to avoid paying full compliance costs.
What Developers Should Know
Developers need to understand critical policy areas:
Payment Processing & External Payment Options
- Can now include external links and alternative payments, but must adhere to App Review Guidelines to avoid technical restrictions.
- Allowed to share cheaper deals and subscription options via app or external site.
Fee Setup & Tier Limits
- New fee setup with maximum fee caps encourages diversified business models.
- Restrictions remain: apps with limited functionality still face some commission.
Steering Users & Anti‑Steering Rules
- Apple lifted prohibitions, allowing developers to steer users to alternative payments.
- Must implement compliant buttons or links per updated policy.
A Look at Antitrust Regulation Impact
Digital Markets Act (DMA) Influence
- Under the DMA, Apple qualifies as a Big Tech “gatekeeper,” requiring open store policies and fair competition rules.
- DMA pressures led to approval of external payments and user redirection
Enforcement by European Union
- The European Commission demanded changes to Apple’s dominance in digital marketplace.
- Apple faced a 500 million euro threat, and after partial compliance, a reduced 50 million euros daily fine threat lingered.
Will Apple Face More Fines or Compliance Risks?
- Though Apple made significant changes, technical restrictions—like bans on certain call‑to‑action buttons—remain controversial.
- A non‑compliance could trigger more antitrust fines or even punitive fines under the DMA.
Impact on iPhone Users & Mobile App Economy
- For iPhone users, options to subscribe via external websites may offer cheaper deals.
- The iOS downloads, marketing, and search suggestions may evolve to favor apps that support external pricing models.
What Comes Next? Apple’s Path Forward
- Apple will revise App Store policies in line with legal compliance, particularly under S. oversight and EU enforcer mandates.
- Expect gradual rollout of automatic updates, improved ratings & reviews transparency, and clearer App Review Guidelines for external payment systems.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
Here’s a quick recap:
| Stakeholder | What to Expect |
| Developers | Lower commission, split option for payment links, must adapt UI |
| Users | More pricing choices, potential cheaper deals |
| Apple | Regulatory scrutiny, potential future fines and updates |
| EU/U.S. Regulators | Ongoing antitrust scrutiny, sets a precedent for tech regulation |
FAQ Section
Q1: What triggered Apple’s policy changes in 2025?
Due to combined pressure from EU antitrust regulators, the Digital Markets Act, and the Epic Games lawsuit in the U.S.
Q2: Can developers now include external payment links?
Yes—Apple now allows buttons, links, and calls to action for external payments, subject to updated App Review Guidelines.
Q3: How much commission does Apple take now?
Apple reduced its commission rate from 30% to 27% for high-revenue apps, plus new small-business fee tiers.
Q4: What happens if Apple violates EU rules?
They risk regulatory non‑compliance, antitrust fines, even daily fines under DMA.
Q5: Will users get cheaper subscription deals?
Yes, users may access cheaper deals via external websites, avoiding Apple’s in‑app commission.
Q6: Is this applicable in the United States?
Changes apply globally, but U.S. obligations stem from court decisions and ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Conclusion
Apple’s App Store policy changes 2025 mark a defining moment in the app marketplace. With lower fees, external payments, and enhanced competition rules, developers and users are poised to benefit—but only if Apple and its rivals comply fully. As regulatory pressure intensifies from the EU, Digital Markets Act, and global watchdogs, this could herald a more open, fair digital marketplace—ushering in better deals, new business models, and the next wave of mobile innovation.