TL;DR
The Coalition for App Fairness says Apple has not meaningfully complied with the EU's Digital Markets Act six months after a non-compliance ruling, alleging App Store terms still impose prohibited fees. Apple has signalled new terms in January 2026, but developers say the company has provided little clarity and that uncertainty is harming investment.
What happened
In an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and senior commissioners, the Coalition for App Fairness — a nonprofit of app makers and consumer groups — accused Apple of ongoing non-compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The coalition says an April 2025 EU finding that Apple’s App Store rules breached the DMA has produced no meaningful changes; instead, developers contend Apple’s revised terms attempt to preserve App Store economics by seeking to levy commissions of up to 20 percent on transactions conducted outside the App Store. Apple has said it will publish new App Store terms in January 2026, but the coalition says that lack of detail and accelerated timelines are freezing investment and innovation. The group warned it will continue pressing policymakers if regulators do not enforce the DMA as written.
Why it matters
- If true, Apple charging commissions on external transactions would undercut a core DMA requirement that gatekeepers allow outside transactions without imposed fees.
- Unclear or delayed compliance creates business uncertainty for developers, potentially chilling investment and product development in Europe.
- A perceived weaker enforcement outcome in the EU compared with US court results could affect Europe’s standing as an effective digital regulator and influence global investment decisions.
- How the Commission responds will set a precedent for enforcement of the DMA against other designated gatekeepers.
Key facts
- The EU concluded in April 2025 that Apple’s App Store rules breached the Digital Markets Act.
- Six months after that ruling, the Coalition for App Fairness says Apple remains non-compliant.
- The coalition alleges Apple is seeking to impose commissions of up to 20% on transactions conducted outside the App Store.
- Apple has announced it will roll out new App Store terms in January 2026.
- Developers and the coalition say Apple has not provided clear details on the content of its promised changes.
- The coalition sent an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and senior commissioners.
- The group argues that uncertainty from Apple’s lack of transparency is freezing investment and innovation in Europe.
- The letter contrasts EU enforcement with recent US litigation outcomes (e.g., Epic Games) that expanded developers’ ability to offer external payment options without paying Apple commissions.
What to watch next
- Apple’s published App Store terms in January 2026 and whether they address the DMA concerns.
- Whether Apple's January 2026 terms will eliminate commissions on external transactions — not confirmed in the source.
- Any formal enforcement moves or penalties from the European Commission against Apple — not confirmed in the source.
- Follow-up actions by the Coalition for App Fairness and other developers in response to Apple's January terms (the coalition has said it will continue pressing policymakers).
Quick glossary
- Digital Markets Act (DMA): An EU law that sets rules for powerful online platforms designated as 'gatekeepers' to ensure fairer competition and give businesses and consumers more choice.
- Gatekeeper: A platform that meets certain size and market-power criteria under the DMA and is subject to stricter obligations to prevent unfair practices.
- Commission: In this context, the European Commission, the EU’s executive body responsible for proposing legislation and enforcing EU law.
- Commission (fee): A percentage charged by a platform on transactions processed or facilitated through its services; the DMA restricts certain commission practices for gatekeepers.
- Coalition for App Fairness: A nonprofit group of app developers and consumer organizations that advocates for changes to app store policies and greater regulatory oversight of platform operators.
Reader FAQ
Did EU regulators find Apple non-compliant with the DMA?
Yes. The source reports an April 2025 EU decision found Apple's App Store rules in breach of the DMA.
Is Apple charging commissions on transactions outside the App Store?
The Coalition for App Fairness alleges Apple is seeking to charge commissions of up to 20% on such transactions; independent confirmation is not provided in the source.
Will Apple update its App Store terms?
Apple has said it will roll out new App Store terms in January 2026.
Has the European Commission taken further penalties or enforcement steps against Apple since the ruling?
Not confirmed in the source.
APPLICATIONS 20 Devs say Apple still flouting EU's Digital Markets Act six months on Coalition for App Fairness warns App Store fees remain unlawful despite non-compliance ruling Carly Page Tue 16 Dec 2025…
Sources
- Devs say Apple still flouting EU's Digital Markets Act six months on
- Devs say Apple still flouting EU's DMA six months on
- Devs say Apple still flouting EU's Digital Markets Act six …
- Letter: Apple is still defying the Digital Markets Act
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