Apple has claimed that lower developer fees implemented to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) have not led to reduced app prices for users. The tech giant’s study, commissioned from Analysis Group, found that most developers have either maintained or increased their prices despite paying lower commissions.
Last year, Apple allowed EU app developers to distribute their software outside the App Store and opt out of its in-app payment system, reducing average commission fees from 30% to 20%. However, the study covering over 41 million transactions for 21,000 products revealed that around nine out of 10 products saw no price decrease. Only 9% of apps reflected price cuts, which were consistent with normal pricing patterns rather than a direct result of the fee reduction.
Read More: Apple to plans smart home upgrades in 2026
The report also highlighted that over 86% of the 20.1-million-euro reduction in fees benefited non-EU developers, suggesting that European consumers did not see the intended financial benefit. Apple criticized the DMA, arguing that it imposes new barriers for innovators and startups while exposing users to potential risks.
The EU’s antitrust body, the European Commission, which enforces the DMA, has not yet responded to Apple’s findings. The legislation targets major tech companies, including Apple, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft, with the aim of opening markets to smaller competitors and offering users greater choice.
Read More: Apple set to reveal AI-focused iPhone 17 today
Apple’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions between Big Tech firms and EU regulators over how best to balance competition, consumer protection, and innovation.