Apple has announced that it will extend its new core technology fee (CTF) to iPadOS apps downloaded from its App Store. The decision was made after the European Union designated iPadOS as a gatekeeper platform under the Digital Markets Act. This means that starting from now, the CTF of 50 euro cents per user account per year will apply to iPadOS apps, in addition to iOS apps.
Apple first introduced the CTF in March for major app developers, regardless of whether they use Apple’s payment services or App Store. The first 1 million user accounts are exempt from this fee. However, with the designation of iPadOS as a gatekeeper platform by the EU, Apple is now required to comply with EU tech rules and extend the CTF to include iPadOS apps.
In a blog post, Apple stated that the CTF will apply to iPadOS apps downloaded through the App Store, Web Distribution, and alternative marketplaces. Additionally, small developers with less than 10 million euros in global annual business revenue will either pay no CTF or a capped fee during a three-year period. Those with no revenue, such as students, hobbyists, and developers who create free apps without monetization, will not be charged the CTF.
Currently, only developers whose apps do not exceed one million first annual installs, non-profit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions approved for a fee waiver are exempt from the CTF. These changes mark Apple’s commitment to aligning with EU regulations and ensuring fair treatment for developers accessing its platforms.