Among the critics are Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, who calls Apple’s plan an ‘illegal anticompetitive scheme rife with new Junk Fees on downloads.’
Apple’s plan to open up the App Store in the European Union is—ironically—angering critics who spent years demanding the company loosen its hold over the iOS ecosystem.
“This is yet another attempt to circumvent regulation,” says the Coalition for App Fairness, whose membership includes Epic Games and Spotify, two companies that have fought Apple’s control over iOS app distribution.
On Thursday, Apple announced its plan to open the iOS ecosystem to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, a law that requires “gatekeeper” companies, including Cupertino, to foster competition op their platforms.
However, the company’s proposal still gives Apple plenty of power over iOS. For example, iOS apps sold on third-party marketplaces still need to receive a “notarization” from the company before they can be circulated. At the same time, third-party marketplaces will need to receive authorization from the company as well.
The other issue deals with money. Under the status quo, Apple usually takes a 30% commission on all purchases made through the App Store. But the company’s new plan for the EU introduces an alternative model, allowing an iOS app to be sold on both Apple’s App Store and third-party marketplaces.
