A growing coalition of app developers and consumer advocacy groups has called on European Union regulators to strengthen enforcement of competition laws against Apple Inc., insisting that Apple’s current fee structure in the App Store continues to unfairly disadvantage European developers. This appeal comes amid intensifying scrutiny of Apple’s platform practices under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and follows a wave of legal and regulatory challenges affecting Apple’s business around the world.

The Core of the Developers’ Complaint

On December 15, 2025, a coalition of approximately 20 developers and consumer groups, organized under the Coalition for App Fairness (CAF), issued an open letter to the European Commission, the EU’s executive authority, urging decisive action against Apple. These developers argue that Apple’s revised App Store fee framework still falls short of the requirements mandated by the DMA, even after enforcement actions earlier in the year.

Under the DMA, large digital platforms designated as “gatekeepers”, including Apple, must allow developers to offer alternative in-app payment options and direct users to external purchase methods without imposing additional fees. The law aims to dismantle the kind of closed and high-cost in-app payment ecosystem that has characterized Apple’s App Store for years.

Developers now say that while Apple did adjust its terms following an EU fine in mid-2025, the new structure still imposes significant fees that act as a barrier to competition and innovation. According to industry reports, Apple’s revised terms include commission rates up to about 20 % on purchases made through the App Store and additional charges ranging from 5 % to 15 % on transactions completed through external links. The coalition argues these fees still contravene the “no charge” intent of the DMA.

Why the Push for Stronger EU Action?

The developers’ appeal highlights a broader concern: regional disparities in how Apple’s policies affect developers. A recent U.S. court decision has curtailed Apple’s ability to charge commissions on external transactions for American developers — a change that, according to CAF, has put European developers at a competitive disadvantage. The coalition contends that EU regulators must now ensure that European developers receive equal treatment and genuine legal compliance, rather than cosmetic policy tweaks.

CAF’s Global Policy Counsel, Gene Burrus, stressed that the status quo “is untenable and damaging to the app economy,” pointing out that developers are forced either to absorb the cost of these fees or pass them to consumers, which ultimately harms European businesses and users alike.

The DMA Context and Apple’s Response

The Digital Markets Act — implemented in 2023 — represents one of the most significant attempts by a major economic bloc to rein in the power of Big Tech platforms. It requires companies like Apple to open up their ecosystems, facilitate third-party app stores, and allow developers to inform users of cheaper or alternative offers without penalty.

Earlier in 2025, the European Commission fined Apple €500 million for violating the DMA by preventing developers from steering users toward alternative payment methods. Apple responded with revised terms intended to comply with EU rules, but has faced criticism for designs that still levy fees on developers for external transactions.

Apple has signaled forthcoming changes to its policy slated for January 2026, but has not yet published details. The lack of transparency and timeline for those updates has further frustrated developers and advocacy groups.

What This Means for Developers and Consumers

The coalition’s call to action reflects a deeper tension in global tech policy: how to balance platform profitability with fair competition and innovation. App developers — particularly smaller European firms — argue that high fees and restrictive rules limit their ability to grow and compete against larger rivals. For consumers, these practices can translate into higher prices and fewer choices on mobile platforms.

If the European Commission responds by intensifying enforcement, it could set a new benchmark for how platform fees are regulated worldwide. A referral to the European Court of Justice — as CAF has suggested if Apple fails to comply — would represent a significant escalation, potentially shaping digital market rules for years to come.
This dispute forms part of a larger global backlash over Apple’s App Store model. Regulators and courts in multiple jurisdictions — including the United States and the UK — have challenged Apple’s approach to app commissions, alternative payment options, and marketplace openness. Recent U.S. litigation, for example, has reshaped how Apple can collect fees on external transactions, while European regulators continue to push for stricter compliance under the DMA.

For developers, the outcome of this EU pressure campaign could define the economics of app distribution for the next decade. Whether Apple ultimately adapts to regulatory demands or continues to fight them through legal channels, one thing is clear: the debate over platform fees, competition, and developer rights is far from over.