30% tax regime will have an escape route? Bloomberg: EU Digital Markets Act could lead to Apple opening up to third-party app stores

According to Bloomberg, Apple may allow for alternative App store options on iPhones and iPads under the EU Digital Markets Act.

The Issue of Apple's 30% High Taxation System

Apple is strict about the mechanism for in-app purchases, requiring a 30% tax on any purchases made within apps available on the App Store. Prominent game developer Epic Games once went to court with Apple for using alternative payment methods. Apps within the cryptocurrency community such as Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask have expressed dissatisfaction with this system, while the NFT marketplace OpenSea has chosen not to offer in-app transaction capabilities.

These app developers hope to avoid Apple's high taxation or seek alternative payment channels.

Will Apple's 30% High Taxation System Be Liberated in the EU?

According to Bloomberg, Apple's software engineers and product service staff are working on making the platform more open, allowing users to download third-party apps on iPhone and iPad without going through the official store.

This measure is expected to be introduced because the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to enhance the competitive environment for third-party developers and improve users' digital lives.

In the past, regulatory agencies and software developers have complained about Apple and Google's market monopolies. This act is expected to bring changes for EU users.

Will NFT Apps Shine in the EU?

Web3 apps like OpenSea currently do not offer the ability to buy and sell NFTs within the app.

Tech media has reported: "Apple tells startups that they must sell NFTs through in-app purchases, forcing many startups to limit app functionality to avoid the hefty 30% transaction fee, which is much higher compared to OpenSea's 2.5% commission plus creator royalties."

Apple is very firm on this policy. It states that apps can sell NFTs or related services through in-app purchases, such as minting, listing, and transferring. Users can view their NFTs, but ownership of the NFT does not unlock any content or features within the app; users can browse others' NFT collections, but the app must not have buttons, external links, or any behavior that directs users to purchase mechanisms outside of in-app purchases.

If the EU opens up to third-party app store downloads, it could open the door for NFT apps.