Monetization. Apple's EU commission cuts to 5%: what changes October 1

Apple's 18-year-old 30% commission structure is being dismantled in the European Union as of October 1, following regulatory pressure from the European Commission under the Digital Markets Act. The new fee framework introduces tiered commissions as low as 5% depending on payment method and buyer location, with 26% for standard in-app purchases and 15% for reduced rates under specific conditions. This represents a fundamental shift in how Apple monetizes its platform in one of its largest markets, and every EU developer now operates under a unified set of terms rather than fragmented policies.

For mobile studios, this change demands immediate attention to financial modeling and pricing strategies. Understanding which commission tier applies to your app, whether through standard in-app purchases or alternative payment methods, directly impacts revenue projections and profitability. The new reporting requirements Apple imposes in exchange for lower fees mean developers must track and disclose additional data points. RevenueCat and similar platforms are positioning themselves to handle these compliance complexities automatically, allowing studios to focus on product and growth rather than regulatory administration. The shift also creates competitive dynamics: apps that optimize for the lower commission tiers gain margin advantages, while those slow to adapt may face revenue headwinds.