A growing group of European app developers has renewed its push against Apple’s App Store fees. This week, a coalition of developers and consumer groups formally petitioned the European Commission. They claim Apple’s revised fee structure still puts EU-based apps at a disadvantage compared to rivals elsewhere.
The coalition argues that Apple’s latest changes fail to meet the spirit of EU competition laws. As a result, developers say the app economy in Europe remains uneven and uncertain.
Who Is Behind the Complaint
The petition comes from the Coalition for App Fairness, which includes well-known companies such as Epic Games, Spotify, Proton, Life360, and others. These firms have challenged Apple’s policies for years, both in Europe and the United States.
According to the group, Apple continues to control how apps reach users while charging fees they see as excessive. Moreover, they say Apple has not clearly explained what its App Store terms will look like in 2026. That uncertainty, they argue, makes long-term planning difficult for smaller developers.
How Apple Changed Its Fees
Earlier this year, Apple replaced its controversial Core Technology Fee with a new mix of charges. These include an Acquisition Fee, a Store Services Fee, and, in some cases, a commission on sales.
The Acquisition Fee takes 2% of digital sales for up to six months after a user first downloads an app. Meanwhile, the Store Services Fee ranges from 5% to 13%, with lower rates for small businesses. Apple says these fees cover platform services, security, and distribution.
However, developers counter that the total cost remains high. They also note that fee savings have not meaningfully reached users, despite reported reductions of around 10% in overall App Store rates.
What Happens Next
For now, it remains unclear whether the European Commission believes Apple has complied with EU law. Regulators may decide to push Apple further or accept the current structure.
Still, developers insist the issue is far from settled. As one coalition statement warned, the current system creates uncertainty and weakens fair competition. Therefore, pressure on Apple is likely to continue as Europe shapes the future of its digital marketplace.
