Apple Lowers Rates for Dutch App Store Payments

Apple says it will collect a 27% commission on payments made through alternative payment methods for dating apps in the Netherlands, a reduction from 30%.

The tech giant revealed the change in an article on its website Thursday (Feb. 3), saying it was done to comply with an order last month from the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).

“Consistent with the ACM’s order, dating apps that are granted an entitlement to link out or use a third-party in-app payment provider will pay Apple a commission on transactions,” the tech giant said, adding that developers would be responsible for collecting and paying applicable taxes.

To meet the ACM’s requirements, Apple says it is giving developers three choices: to continue using its own in-app purchase system if they want, to use a third-party payment system in the app, or to include an in-app link that sends users to the developer’s website, where they can complete their purchases.

Read more: Apple Fined up to $57M by Dutch Regulators for Skirting Payment System Rules

Last month, the ACM fined Apple up to 50 million euros ($57 million) for not letting rival payment systems connect to dating apps.

The fine was an indication that global tech watchdogs are taking a tougher stance against Apple for its payment methods.

“Apple has raised several barriers for dating-app providers to the use of third-party payment systems,” a move that runs counter to the policies of the ACM, the group said on its website.

ACM had ordered Apple to allowing dating app developers and owners to give users access to other by Jan. 15. Apple promised to comply, but on the day of ACM’s deadline, said it would appeal the authority’s ruling.

Read also: Senate Judiciary Panel Approves App Store Payments Bill

Apple has clashed with regulators in several countries over its policy of directing users to its own payment methods, an issue that’s been at the center of the company’s legal battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games, as well as numerous antitrust investigations.

The question of app store payments — in regard to both Apple and Google — is at the center of the Open App Markets Act, which was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee for passage by the full Senate earlier this week.