All about Apple
Apple recently announced the expansion of a new technology fee for iPadOS (iPad operating system) apps, whether downloaded through its App Store, Web Distribution, or alternative marketplaces. Until then, the fee was only valid for applications installed from the company’s app store.
For those in a hurry:
- Apple announced the expansion of a new technology fee for all iPadOS apps, regardless of whether they are downloaded through the App Store, Web Distribution, or alternative marketplaces. Previously, this fee only applied to apps installed from the company’s app store;
- This decision is part of Apple’s effort to comply with European Union regulations, specifically the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires large platforms to allow developers to distribute applications directly to consumers;
- Introduced in March, the Core Technology Fee (CTF) is 50 euro cents per user account per year, targeting large app developers. The fee exempts the first million accounts and was one of several new charges implemented by Apple in response to the DMA;
- Apple also announced that developers with less than ten million euros in global annual business revenue will be exempt from the CTF or pay a limited fee over a three-year period. Additionally, developers who do not generate revenue are exempt from the fee. The exemption also extends to developers whose apps do not exceed one million annual installs, as well as nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions.
The decision follows the inclusion of the system in the European Union’s list of key services, subject to the Digital Markets Law (DMA) – which overturns the iPad’s “walled garden”. The measure is part of an effort to comply with regulations that require Apple to allow developers to distribute applications directly to consumers.
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Technology Fee for iPad Apps
In March, Apple introduced the core technology fee (CTF) of 50 euro cents (R$2.73) per user account per year, applicable to large app developers regardless of whether or not they use payment services or the company’s App Store. This fee, however, exempts the first million accounts.
The CTF is one of several new charges implemented by Apple in response to the DMA, which requires the company to open up its traditionally closed system, facilitating alternative distribution of iPhone apps.
With the recent designation of iPadOS as a “gatekeeper” platform under the DMA by the European Commission, Apple has confirmed that it will apply the same changes implemented in iOS (iPhone operating system) to iPadOS applications in the European Union, according to the Reuters.
Fee exemption for some cases
Apple announced that developers with less than 10 million euros (approximately R$55 million) in global annual business revenue will be exempt from the CTF or will pay a limited fee over a three-year period.
Furthermore, developers who do not generate revenue, such as students, hobbyists and those who develop free applications without monetization, will not be subject to the CTF.
The CTF exemption is also extended to developers whose apps do not exceed one million annual installs, as well as non-profit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions that qualify for fee exemption.
