Apple has recently implemented significant modifications to its App Store policies within the European Union, aiming to align with the mandates of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes encompass the introduction of a Core Technology Commission (CTC), updated guidelines for applications that wish to direct users to external payment options, and a restructured Store Services Fee system. Despite these adjustments, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has expressed strong disapproval, labeling the new terms as blatantly unlawful and a mockery of fair competition.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sweeney articulated his concerns:
> Apple’s new Digital Markets Act malicious compliance scheme is blatantly unlawful in both Europe and the United States and makes a mockery of fair competition in digital markets. Apps with competing payments are not only taxed but commercially crippled in the App Store.
This critique follows Apple’s announcement of comprehensive changes to its App Store guidelines in the EU, part of its ongoing efforts to comply with the DMA. The updates include a new Core Technology Commission (CTC), new rules for apps that want to link out or promote external offers, and revised Store Services Fees split into tiers.
Sweeney’s remarks add to the ongoing tension between Apple and Epic Games, especially in light of a recent injunction that barred Apple from taking any cut of purchases completed outside the U.S. App Store. Apple is currently appealing that decision, arguing it goes too far and unfairly rewrites the rules of earlier decisions in the Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple Inc. case.
Between the courtroom pressure in California and regulatory heat in Europe, Apple’s grip on its app ecosystem is being squeezed from both sides. In the end, today’s update is the company’s latest attempt to thread the needle, but it remains to be seen whether this one will finally appease EU regulators. Epic, for its part, is clearly not impressed.
