Overview: Apple's up to 30% cut on Patreon creators using the iOS app is sparking major debate. Discussions cover workarounds, Apple's market power, and anti-competitive practices. Frustration is high, with solutions ranging from website use to government regulation. #AppStoreFees 1/6

App Store economics are questioned, with some suggesting Apple's revenue model incentivizes quantity over quality. The 30% commission is seen as unjustified given the current level of curation and developer support. #AppStoreFees 5/6

Apple's EU App Store Overhaul | Fees, Fines, and the Fight for DMA Compliance Unpacking Apple's EU App Store Overhaul: Fees, Fines, and the Fight for DMA Compliance Join us on "Upwardly Mobile" as we dive deep into Apple's latest App Store changes in the European Union, a direct response to the stringent Digital Markets Act (DMA). Faced with a hefty €500 million (about $570 million) penalty from the EU for "anti-steering" practices, Apple has introduced a complex new fee structure that's shaking up the mobile app ecosystem. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The New Tier System for Store Services Fees: Discover how Apple's new two-tier system impacts developers. Tier 1 offers basic App Store features for a 5 percent commission, while Tier 2 provides full access at a 13 percent commission. We'll discuss what features are missing from the cheaper tier, including automatic app updates and promotional tools. - Introducing the Core Technology Commission (CTC): Understand Apple's new 5 percent commission on outside purchases made in apps distributed on the App Store. This fee is set to transition from the previous Core Technology Fee (CTF) by January 1, 2026, becoming a "single business model" for EU developers and applying to digital goods and services sold across the App Store and alternative marketplaces. The EU has previously ruled that the CTF was not "necessary and proportionate". - The DMA's Impact and Anti-Steering Rules: We break down how the DMA forced Apple to allow developers more choices in app distribution and promotion, specifically ending prohibitions on "steering" users to cheaper alternatives outside the App Store. This comes after a US court order, stemming from the Epic Games lawsuit, also prevented Apple from taking commission on purchases made outside the App Store in the US. - The "Malicious Compliance" Debate: We explore the significant criticism Apple faces for its DMA compliance, with many, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney and Spotify, accusing them of "malicious compliance"—adhering to the letter but not the spirit of the law. Critics argue Apple's changes still create barriers to competition. - Apple's Defense and Ongoing Scrutiny: Despite the criticism and fines, Apple maintains it has taken significant steps to open its ecosystem and is appealing the EU's penalty. The European Commission is currently assessing these new changes to determine if they are fully compliant with the DMA. Don't miss this essential episode to understand the shifting landscape of app development and distribution in Europe!  Reading & Resources: - Apple overhauls EU App Store rules following penalty (Link to The Verge article) - Apple reveals complex system of App Store fees to avoid EU fine of 500 million euro (Link to CNBC article) - Updates for apps in the European Union (Link to Apple Developer news) - Apple's DMA developer support page and Compliance Report (Link to Apple's official DMA info) - Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU and StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement Addendum for EU Apps (Links to Apple's legal terms) Sponsor Message: This episode of "Upwardly Mobile" is brought to you by Approov. In a world of evolving mobile threats, Approov provides advanced mobile app shielding and API protection to keep your apps and APIs secure from bots and malicious attacks. Ensure your mobile transactions are safe and sound. Learn more at https://approov.io/.

📣 New Podcast! "Apple's EU App Store Overhaul | Fees, Fines, and the Fight for DMA Compliance" on @Spreaker #alternativemarketplaces #antisteering #apple #appstorefees #coretechnologycommission #ctf #developerfees #digitalgoods #digitalmarketsact #epicgames #eudma #europeancommission #ios

App Store Fees Exposed: Maximize Your Revenue & Bypass the 30% Cut Strategies for App Revenue Success Welcome to "Upwardly Mobile," the podcast that empowers founders to scale their ventures! In this essential episode, we look into the often-challenging world of app store fees, exploring how Apple and Google claim a significant cut from your hard-earned revenue and, more importantly, how you can navigate these charges to maximise your profit. The Reality of App Store Fees: Discover why Apple and Google typically claim up to 30% of revenue from in-app purchases1. While a reduced 15% rate exists for smaller businesses earning under $1 million annually, founders serious about scaling need to understand the broader implications1. We discuss how increasing regulatory pressure, particularly from the EU, is forcing these tech giants to loosen their grip, but often only where legally compelled. Key Regulatory Changes & Exceptions: Learn about Apple's compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (2024), which now permits app distribution outside the App Store and the integration of external payment systems within the EU, albeit with a reduced commission of 10% to 17%4. Crucially, this flexibility does not extend beyond EU borders45. We also examine Google’s User Choice Billing program, which allows developers to offer their own payment methods alongside Google’s, with fees still applying at 11% or 26%4. We explore other exceptions born from legal battles and regulatory requirements, such as reader apps like Netflix and Spotify being able to link to external sign-up pages due to pressure from Japan's Fair Trade Commission6. Additionally, legislation in the Netherlands and South Korea has forced Apple to allow external payments for dating apps, though Apple still collects a slightly reduced cut (27% and 26%, respectively). Mastering the Hybrid Model for Revenue Optimisation: One of the most effective strategies to reduce Apple and Google fees is implementing a hybrid monetisation model3. This approach combines in-app purchases with a web-based payment system, allowing you to bypass the hefty 30% cut for your most loyal users who are willing to take an extra step to pay outside the app37. We illustrate the potential savings: for a health app with a dedicated user base paying $15 a month for premium features, converting just 5% of 100,000 users via your website could save you an incredible $25,000 in monthly fees compared to being locked into Apple’s in-app purchase system8. However, we also highlight the critical importance of careful strategy and clear messaging to avoid losing users who might bounce if they encounter a paywall with no clear way to pay9. This approach requires balancing fee reduction with the potential sacrifice of some organic traction provided by App Store visibility57. Alternative Distribution & The Debate on Fair Fees: While alternative distribution methods like sideloading apps or distributing outside official app stores can help you bypass fees, they come with their own challenges, often sacrificing mainstream adoption and App Store visibility59. For example,  Google’s sideloading flexibility doesn't mean most users will jump through hoops, and Apple’s EU compliance with the Digital Markets Act is limited geographically5. We delve into the compelling argument that app store fees should be low or even zero, as proposed by experts like Damien Geradin10. This perspective suggests that fees should reflect only the intrinsic value the app store brings to developers, rather than the 'lock-in' or 'gatekeeper' value created by restrictions of competition and resulting network effects. Furthermore, it acknowledges the significant value that app developers bring to Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems by drawing users to their platforms. This synergetic relationship has become conflictual due to imposed restrictions and fees. Ultimately, success comes down to knowing your audience and understanding their willingness to follow your preferred payment process513. By staying informed, agile, and strategically implementing hybrid models, you can take greater control of your revenue stream and transform your app’s profitability. Relevant Links: • The Real Cost Of App Store Fees: A Founder’s Guide To Understanding The Landscape by Lubo Smid, Forbes Technology Council: https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Fforbestechcouncil%2F2025%2F05%2F06%2Fthe-real-cost-of-app-store-fees-a-founders-guide-to-understanding-the-landscape%2F • Why the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store fees should be low or even zero by Damien Geradin, SSRN: https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fssrn.com%2Fabstract%3D5272037 Sponsor: This episode of "Upwardly Mobile" is brought to you by Approov.io, experts in API threat protection. Learn more about securing your mobile apps at https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fapproov.io. (Please note: Information about Approov.io is external to the provided sources and may need independent verification.) Keywords: App store fees, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, app monetisation, in-app purchases, hybrid model, external payments, Digital Markets Act, EU regulation, sideloading, app developers, mobile ecosystems, gatekeepers, revenue optimisation, profit maximisation, app strategy, scaling apps, startup, founder, technology, competition law.

📣 New Podcast! "App Store Fees Exposed: Maximize Your Revenue & Bypass the 30% Cut" on @Spreaker #appdevelopers #apple #appmonetization #approov #appstorefees #digitalmarketsact #google #hybridmodel #mobilemonetisation

#Apple files an appeal with the US Ninth Circuit, challenging last week’s ruling that blocks it from charging developers fees on purchases made outside the #AppStore. #TechNews #AppStoreFees #Developers #LegalUpdate #AppleVsDevelopers #MobileApps #Antitrust

#Apple files an appeal with the US Ninth Circuit, challenging last week’s ruling that blocks it from charging developers fees on purchases made outside the #AppStore. #TechNews #AppStoreFees #Developers #LegalUpdate #AppleVsDevelopers #MobileApps #Antitrust

Apple Relaxes US App Store Rules on External Payments Following Court Order, Spotify Updates App Immediately - WinBuzzer Apple has complied with a court injunction by updating US App Store rules, now allowing developers to steer users to external payment options.

Apple Relaxes US App Store Rules on External Payments Following Court Order, Spotify Updates App Immediately

#Apple #AppStore #EpicGames #Spotify #AntiSteering #Antitrust #iOS #Developers #DMA #AppStoreFees #TechNews

winbuzzer.com/2025/05/02/a...

Apple Faces Legal Trouble for Violating App Store Reform Order US Judge Finds Apple Violated App Store Reform Order, Refers to Prosecutors A California federal judge has ruled that Apple

US Court Rules Apple Violated App Store Competition Order
#Antitrust #AppDevelopers #Apple #AppleAppStore #AppleNews #AppleViolations #AppleVsEpic #AppPayments #AppStore #AppStoreChanges #AppStoreCompetition #AppStoreFees #AppStoreReform #CompetitionLaw #ConsumerRights #ContemptOfCourt #CourtOrder

A UK trial in the £1.5B class action suit against Apple kicks off Monday, with allegations that the company imposes "excessive and unfair" App Store fees. 🍏⚖️ Will this change the future of app marketplaces? #Apple #AppStoreFees #ClassAction #TechLawsuit #UKNews

South Korean game companies are taking legal action against #Google & #Apple over high in-app purchase fees! 🎮
💸 They aim to reduce the 30% commission and seek compensation for damages.
gamingfoodle.tech/south-korean...
#TechNews #GamingIndustry #AppStoreFees

Meta announces plans to implement a 30% fee for boosting Facebook and Instagram posts on iOS starting later this February. This decision comes after Apple extended its 30% cut to boosting in 2022. #Meta #Facebook #Instagram #iOS #AppStoreFees