A coalition of 20 app developers and consumer groups is urging EU regulators to hold Apple accountable for fees they claim ‘unfairly penalize European innovation’ compared to U.S. rivals. The clash centers on Apple’s revised payment rules under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect in 2023 but remains a hot-button issue in 2025.
💰 The Fee Fight Explained
Earlier this year, the EU fined Apple €500 million for blocking developers from steering users to cheaper payment options. Apple responded by slapping fees of 13-20% on App Store purchases and 5-15% penalties for external transactions—a move the Coalition for Apps Fairness (CAF) calls ‘a blatant DMA violation’.
🌍 Europe vs. U.S. Developer Divide
While U.S. developers gained fee relief after a recent court ruling, EU-based firms like Deezer and Proton say they’re stuck footing the bill. ‘Free of charge means free of charge,’ argues CAF’s Gene Burrus, noting Apple’s fees force European apps to either absorb costs or price out customers.
⏳ What’s Next?
With Apple’s vague promise of policy changes in January 2026, developers are demanding transparency. The CAF warns the current system ‘stifles innovation’ and could reshape Europe’s digital economy if unresolved. All eyes are now on Brussels for enforcement action.
