Image reproduced from 經濟日報

Apple has recently introduced a new charging mechanism in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act to adapt to the changes brought by the legislation. As the EU is tightening regulations on tech giants, Apple's changes are aimed at complying with new rules and providing its users with a fairer app downloading and purchasing experience.

Under the new regulations, Apple must open up the operational model of its App Store, allowing the use of third-party payment systems. This means developers can conduct transactions without relying solely on Apple's own payment platform. This measure is viewed as a response to market monopolization and may lead to a more competitive environment.

Apple's plan includes updating the interface and usage patterns of its App Store, giving developers more rights, such as setting their own prices and choosing their payment methods. Additionally, Apple has stated that it will maintain high standards for app security and quality, promising not to neglect the safety of applications due to the allowance of third-party payments.

This transformation will not only impact Apple itself but may also have profound effects on the entire application ecosystem. Many developers welcome this change, believing it can reduce transaction costs and help smaller developers increase their revenue. However, some experts express skepticism about the effectiveness of the new mechanism, raising concerns that it could affect user security and privacy.

Apple's new policy largely reflects the EU's increasingly stringent regulatory stance towards large tech companies and may lead to more similar requests in the future. As the Digital Markets Act is enacted, the entire tech industry will need to re-evaluate its business models to adapt to the new legal framework.

In the coming months, Apple plans to announce more detailed charging information and related implementation plans, engaging more with the developer community to ensure this change is smoothly implemented.