For nearly five years – 1,782 days – we've urged the European Commission to take action against Apple. In a world valuing competition and innovation, it's unacceptable to allow gatekeepers like Apple to operate unchecked.
Our anticipation rose with the creation and passage of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), poised to end Apple's unfair stifling of innovation disguised as security measures. We applauded Europe's leadership but were disappointed when Apple's recent actions showed they believe the rules don't apply to them.
Apple's behavior remains consistent. Despite years of misconduct, their latest move showcases unprecedented arrogance. Under the guise of compliance, they presented a new plan that's nothing but a farce. The old tax was deemed unacceptable under the DMA, so they introduced a new one, pretending it aligned with the law.
From the start, Apple made it clear they disliked abiding by the DMA. Their proposed alternative is undesirable, especially for popular developers who won't opt for it. Apple's new demands include:
A new 0.50 Euro fee per download, annually, perpetually – This is extortion, plain and simple. Developers, especially start-ups and those with free apps, will suffer.
Apple still charges a 17% rent on developers for existing in the App Store, even with alternative payment methods.
Apple offers alternative app stores, but with unrealistic conditions, rendering the DMA's goals futile.
Apple's update has left developers scrambling to calculate the impact on their businesses. It's evident that Apple seeks to maintain control, confident that the European Commission will allow it.
Earlier, we outlined plans to offer EU customers more choice and control. Today, that future is uncertain. Will the European Commission uphold the DMA's principles? Or will it lack substantive meaning for most developers?
Enforcing the law is all that's needed. European Commissioners must reject Apple's blatant disregard and uphold the principles they fought hard to establish.
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