Apple has made a significant change in developing policies with its new App Store conditions in the European Union. Apparently, these regulations, which cover only EU countries, contain signs that can lead to much more comprehensive results when the details are descended. In particular, the comments that Apple may have attracted the standard 30 percent commission rate to 20 percent. The possibility of spreading this change on a global scale may have significant consequences for both developers and regulators.
The most striking aspect of the new conditions was the complexity it contained. It is very difficult for developers to understand how the conditions will be affected. Which commission rate is valid for when and for whom. This led to confusion in the technology community.
Apple may have signaled a global app store discount
According to the conditions, 5 percent for some developers, for others 13 percent of the commission will be applied. However, these rates are not fixed and contain various exceptions. For example, the 13 percent commission will only be valid under certain conditions. In addition, the fixed wage system is planned to be converted into a percentage commission model over time.
Behind these developments, Apple’s competition law processes with the European Commission. The company has already applied to the court for these regulations. Nevertheless, new rules have entered into force and developers have already become influenced. Apple is thought to strengthen its position against regulators with this move.
However, technology authors argue that these new rules will not be limited to Europe. Names such as John Gruber, the App Store and Apple payment system in the transactions made by the commission may have been reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent, he says. If this comment is true, Apple will first have a general commission discount for all developers. This may radically affect the company’s revenue sharing model all over the world.
Meanwhile, the commission rate for developers who are currently within the scope of Apple’s Small Business Program was 15 percent. With the new regulation, this ratio is expected to withdraw to 10 percent. Thus, for low -income developers, Apple will be able to make the financial burden a slightly more lightened. This situation can be met positive for developers.
On the other hand, the regional remaining of the App Store commission, which is withdrawn to 20 percent in the EU, causes an unequal income distribution with developers in other countries. This may cause Apple to face new legal risks in other markets, especially the USA. Therefore, this regulation can be expected to spread to other regions over time. Apple seems likely to adopt a more balanced commission policy on a global scale.
In addition, Apple’s step in this direction should not be read as an effort to correct relationships with developers. The antitröst cases faced by the company may have directed it to a more flexible income sharing model. Considering the ongoing legal processes both in Europe and the USA, Apple is likely to bring more simple and fair rules in the future. This may also be decisive for the future of the App Store.
Global commissioning of the commission reduction has the potential to repair Apple’s image in the developer ecosystem. Although it seems that it seems to be applied only in the EU for the time being, it can be the beginning of a new era for software developers.