Apple to begin accepting 3rd party payments
Starting in March, Apple will allow users within the EU to download apps and make purchases from outside the App Store.
12punto
Apple has long opposed these changes, arguing that they would leave users vulnerable to fraud, malware, and other privacy and security issues. However, under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which will come into effect on March 7, major technology companies like Apple are required to make significant changes to their operations.
EMPHASIS ON PRIVACY AND SECURITY
In a statement by Apple executive Phil Schiller, the company noted that it believes some changes, such as opening up the App Store, will pose risks to users. "The changes we are announcing today comply with the requirements of the European Union's Digital Markets Act, while helping to protect EU users from the unavoidable privacy and security threats this regulation brings," he said.
The most significant changes will be for developers. Developers will be able to receive payments and distribute their apps outside of the App Store. According to the new rules, Apple will still implement a review process for apps coming from outside the app store. This review process will be called "Notarization" and will include both automation and human review; it will be designed to "focus on platform integrity and protect users from malware." However, the company states that it has "less ability to address" other risks, such as "apps that contain scams, fraud, and abuse, or that expose users to illegal, objectionable, or harmful content."
"CORE TECHNOLOGY FEE"
Apple is also changing its criticized commission structure, where developers will pay fees for subscriptions and in-app purchases at a rate that drops to 10 percent for "most developers" after the first year.
At the same time, Apple is adding a new 3% "payment processing" fee for transactions that go through its own store. And it is adding a new "core technology fee" that will charge a flat €0.50 for every app installation from the App Store or a third-party website after the first million installs. According to Apple, the new fee structure will result in most developers paying less than they do currently, as the core technology fee will have the greatest impact on larger developers.