Apple Makes Major Changes To Its EU App Store Rules

by News Editor

August 19, 2026

Apple has introduced a new fee structure for developers in the European Union, while making it easier to launch alternative app marketplaces as it seeks to address its ongoing disagreements with EU regulators.

New Fee Structure

Under the revised model, Apple will replace its per-install Core Technology Fee with a flat 5% commission on digital goods sold through apps distributed outside the App Store, including alternative marketplaces and the web.

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Fees for Apple’s own in-app purchases will fall from 30% to 26%, while developers eligible for programmes such as the App Store Small Business Program will continue to pay 15% in qualifying cases. Apps using alternative payment systems will pay a 20% commission, or 10% for developers covered by those programmes.

Developers will also have to stick with their selected payment setup for 12 months, whether they use Apple’s system, external payments or both.

Easier Access To Alternative App Stores

Apple is also relaxing requirements for developers seeking to operate alternative app marketplaces.

Previously, developers generally had to demonstrate substantial financial backing or meet specific requirements, including two years in Apple’s Developer Program and more than 1 million first-time annual EU installs.

The new rules offer additional ways to demonstrate financial stability, including being a public company, providing audited financial statements or having qualifying venture capital funding.

Apple’s latest changes follow years of disputes with the European Commission over its App Store terms. The company revised its EU fee structure last year after receiving a €500 million fine for violating the Digital Markets Act, with critics describing the resulting system as unnecessarily complex.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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