Apple’s New Developer Agreement: A Paradigm Shift in Fee Collection
Apple has recently updated its developer license agreement, introducing significant changes that empower the company to recover unpaid fees directly from developers’ earnings. This move is poised to impact developers across various regions, especially where external payment systems are permitted.
Key Changes in the Developer Agreement
The revised agreement grants Apple the authority to offset or recoup any outstanding amounts it believes are due. This includes commissions, fees, and other charges, which Apple can now deduct from in-app purchases processed on behalf of developers. Notably, Apple reserves the right to implement these deductions at any time and from time to time, potentially leading to unexpected financial adjustments for developers.
Implications for Developers Using External Payment Systems
In regions where local laws permit linking to external payment systems, developers are required to report these transactions to Apple and remit the appropriate commissions or fees. The updated agreement provides Apple with a mechanism to collect what it deems the correct fee if it determines that a developer has underreported earnings. This policy could significantly affect developers in markets such as the European Union, the United States, and Japan, where regulations around external payment systems vary.
The Core Technology Fee and Its Evolution
A notable aspect of Apple’s fee structure is the Core Technology Fee (CTF) in the EU, which currently charges €0.50 for each first annual install exceeding one million in the past 12 months. Starting January 2026, Apple plans to transition from the CTF to a new fee called the Core Technology Commission (CTC), a more complex percentage-based fee. This change is expected to affect apps that utilize external payment methods or are distributed under Apple’s alternative business terms for the EU.
Extended Collection Rights
The updated agreement also extends Apple’s collection rights to include any affiliates, parents, or subsidiaries related to the account that owes money. In practical terms, this means Apple could recover unpaid amounts from a developer’s other apps or from apps published by a parent company. This provision underscores the comprehensive nature of Apple’s approach to fee collection.
Additional Modifications in the Agreement
Beyond fee collection, the revised agreement introduces sections dedicated to age assurance technology, new terms for iOS apps in Japan, and other requirements. Of particular interest is Apple’s definition of requirements for voice-based assistants, such as AI chatbots activated via the iPhone’s side button. The agreement prohibits recordings made without user awareness, including audio, video, and screen recordings. While not an outright ban, the language specifies that applications may not be designed to facilitate Recordings of others without their awareness, leaving room for interpretation and potential enforcement actions.
Contextualizing Apple’s Policy Changes
Apple’s updated developer agreement is part of a broader trend of the company adjusting its policies in response to evolving legal landscapes and regulatory pressures. For instance, in March 2024, Apple revised its Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules after facing pressure but retained the Core Technology Fee. The company also introduced new business terms in Europe, including the CTF, to comply with the DMA’s requirements for alternative distribution and payment processing.
In June 2025, Apple updated its EU App Store rules by adding more complex fees, further reflecting its efforts to navigate regulatory challenges while maintaining its revenue streams. These changes have sparked debates among developers and regulators about the fairness and transparency of Apple’s fee structures and compliance with regional laws.
Developer Community Reactions
The developer community has expressed mixed reactions to these changes. Some developers appreciate the clarity and structure provided by the new agreement, while others are concerned about the potential for unexpected deductions and the complexity of compliance. The requirement to report external payments and the possibility of Apple recouping funds from various sources within a developer’s portfolio have raised questions about financial planning and stability for smaller developers and startups.
Looking Ahead
As Apple continues to refine its policies and agreements, developers must stay informed and proactive in understanding and complying with these changes. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of clear communication between platform providers and developers to foster a healthy and innovative app ecosystem.
