Some developers say Apple's new Core Technology Fee in the EU is eerily similar to the controversial Runtime Fee that Unity touted and withdrew after a backlash
The comparison emerged as Apple introduced an EU-specific per-install charge, with contemporaneous coverage illustrating how that structure could burden free and freemium apps at scale through a €0.50 charge tied to first installs. It also arrived after Unity had proposed installation-based fees, making developers especially sensitive to usage metrics becoming a billing base.
EU developers must model distribution costs against installs rather than revenue alone, making high-download free and freemium releases the most exposed to the new fee structure.
Apple’s DMA-era App Store terms face an immediate credibility problem among game and app developers, who associate installation-based billing with Unity’s backlash.
Second-order effects
Developers may adjust launch, monetization, and EU distribution plans to limit exposure to install-based charges, while alternative stores and payment routes gain a clearer cost-comparison role.
The resemblance to Unity’s abandoned fee model gives critics a concrete framing for challenging Apple’s terms, increasing pressure for carve-outs or revised pricing mechanics.
Third-order effects
If regulated platforms retain access charges while opening distribution, compliance may shift from a simple commission debate toward how platforms price reach, installs, and technical access.
The trend: Platform regulation is pushing app-store economics away from a single revenue share and toward contested, more granular charges for distribution and platform access.
Did Apple just pull a Unity?!? WTF is going on in the games world? Imagine a few months from now you use Unity 6 (dumb move #1) and end up getting dinged per install TWICE. Plus the Core Technology Fee. What a year it's gonna be...🤣
I hope everyone who hated Unity for bullshit per-installation fees is going to show up to hate Apple for trying the same bullshit in the EU. Apple's garbage is worse than Unity's ever was. Those fees are absolutely insane. Company run by greedy clowns.
Regarding App Store installation fees. I think the solution is pretty clear, developers need to unite and do what they decided to do with Unity. App developers need apple's platform but if there're no apps then it is just another Windows Phone.
@AshleyGullen For each first annual install doesn't sound too bad or am I missing something? 🤔 It's not like you'll get charged for multiple installs from the same user in that year right?
@AshleyGullen Now it makes sense... developers can choose to stay with Apple's existing terms. This is for developers that want to use „the new capabilities" (= alt. payment methods) which will definitely not be worth it if they get through with this... [image]