Apple will charge 27% commission for alternative payment systems in Netherlands (9to5mac.com)

Article summary

Apple will charge a 27% commission for app purchases made using alternative payment systems in the Netherlands, as part of its compliance with a legal decision. This commission is lower than the typical 30% commission charged by Apple's In-App Purchase system. Developers will have to send a report to Apple each month listing their sales, and Apple will send out invoices for its commission. The move is seen as a response to regulatory pressure to open up the App Store to alternative payment systems.

Main themes

• Apple's App Store policies
• alternative payment systems
• regulatory pressure
• market power and competition
• innovation and control
• general-purpose vs non-general-purpose devices
• consumer choice and freedom
• digital economy and regulation

What commenters say

• Apple's commission on alternative payment systems is seen as excessive and anti-competitive by some, while others argue it is a reasonable fee for the services provided.
• The comparison between Apple's App Store and console stores like Xbox is seen as flawed by some, as consoles are not general-purpose devices like smartphones.
• Regulations are needed to prevent companies like Apple from abusing their market power and limiting consumer choice.
• Others argue that Apple's innovation and success are a result of its ability to control its ecosystem and that regulatory interference could stifle innovation.
• The distinction between general-purpose and non-general-purpose devices is seen as irrelevant by some, while others argue it is a key factor in determining the appropriateness of Apple's business practices.
• Some argue that Apple's marketing of iPhones as general-purpose devices implies that they should be subject to different rules and regulations than consoles or other specialized devices.
• The issue is not just about Apple, but about the broader implications of allowing companies to control and limit consumer choice in the digital economy.
• Others believe that the free market should be allowed to regulate itself, without interference from governments or regulatory bodies.