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Apple Addresses Concerns Over EU App Store Payment Warnings
Apple is clarifying that the alerts beside EU App Store entries utilizing alternative payment systems are not a recent addition. These warnings, designed to inform users about the use of payment platforms other than Apple’s, have been present since the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) compliance plan. This comes after increased attention and apprehension regarding the messages, particularly in light of Apple’s ongoing legal battles over payment methods.
User Disclosure Screens: A Closer Look
Recent reports highlighted the appearance of a warning, marked by a red exclamation point, near applications that do not employ Apple’s “private and secure payment system.” This raised concerns that Apple was attempting to deter users from utilizing external payment options, which are now permitted under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). However, Apple has stated that these user disclosure screens have been active on the EU App Store since the DMA Compliance Plan was initiated in March 2024.
Confusion on Social Media Sparks Debate
The confusion appears to have originated from a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing an App Store listing for Instacar, an EU-based application. The listing displayed a warning, stating: “[T]his app does not support the App Store’s private and secure payment system. It uses external purchases.” The message also included a link for users to “Learn More.”
The post led many to believe this was a new tactic by Apple to discourage the use of alternate payment systems.
Context: Court Battles and DMA Compliance
The concerns surrounding the alerts are understandable, given Apple’s recent legal defeat against Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. That court ruling mandated Apple to permit app developers in the U.S. to link to external payment options without paying Apple’s commission. While Apple is appealing the ruling, many speculated that the EU warnings were a retaliatory measure to safeguard its commission revenues.
Debunking the Retaliation Narrative
Since the alerts are not new, it suggests a different explanation is needed. The cautionary message is not a fresh initiative, but rather a part of Apple’s existing DMA compliance efforts.
Expert Insight: Limited Adoption of External Purchases
To provide further clarification on the EU App Store warnings, Apple referenced an X post clarifying that the disclosures are exclusive to the EU region and “have been around for a while.”
- RevenueCat CEO Jacob Eiting suggested that the warnings are not a recent development.
- Eiting proposed that the warnings are just now gaining visibility because only a small number of EU developers have chosen to utilize the external purchases option permitted by the DMA.
- Critics have characterized Apple’s DMA Compliance Plan as convoluted and filled with “junk fees” designed to compensate for the lost in-app purchase commissions.
Apple’s Proposed Update and Regulatory Response
Apple also indicated that it intended to modify the message following initial feedback. In August 2024, the company announced revisions to its DMA plan, including a change to the user disclosure screen. The revised message would have stated: “Transactions in this app are supported by the developer and not Apple.”
European Commission’s Intervention
Apple reports that the European Commission (EC) did not object to the revised message but directed Apple to postpone implementation. Lacking further guidance, Apple maintained the original screen.
Recent Fine and Appeal
In April 2025, the EC issued a €500 million fine to Apple for DMA noncompliance. Apple is currently appealing this decision.