Apple drops per-download fee in EU, switches to 5% sales cut

Apple on August 18, 2026 replaced a EU rule that charged app makers €0.50 every time someone downloaded their app — a cost that hurt popular but low-earning apps. Now Apple takes 5% of sales made outside its App Store. In-app purchase fees drop to 26%, or 20% with other payment methods. The change follows a 500-million-euro fine in 2025.