Apple's EU Payment Warnings: Not New, But Still Controversial
Recent social media outrage over Apple's payment warnings on the EU App Store misses a key detail: the warnings aren't new.
Apple confirmed that these warnings, appearing next to apps using third-party payment systems, have been live since March 2024. This coincides with the start of Apple's DMA Compliance Plan. Reports suggesting the warnings were a new retaliatory measure following the Epic Games ruling are inaccurate.
The Source of the Confusion
The renewed attention stems from a social media post highlighting the warning message in an EU app listing. The post incorrectly implied the warnings were a new development, leading to widespread criticism of Apple.
first time seeing this. Apple will punish the apps with external payment system
This sparked accusations of "malicious compliance" and "entitled" behavior from Apple. However, the warnings are part of Apple's existing DMA compliance efforts.
Apple's Intended Update and EU Intervention
Apple planned to update the warning message in August 2024. The revised message would have simply stated that transactions are handled by the developer, not Apple. However, the European Commission instructed Apple to postpone the change, leaving the original warning in place.
The European Commission fined Apple €500 million in April 2025 for alleged noncompliance with the DMA. Apple is appealing this decision.
The DMA and Third-Party Payments
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) allows EU app developers to use third-party payment systems, bypassing Apple's in-app purchase system and its associated commissions. However, few developers have adopted this option, possibly due to the complexity and perceived "junk fees" associated with Apple's DMA Compliance Plan.
The ongoing debate highlights the tension between Apple's desire to control its platform and the EU's push for greater competition and consumer choice.
