As a reminder, under new EU requirements set out in the Digital Markets Act, Apple is required to allow users to download apps outside of the App Store and also accept external payment methods. The company tried to evade these rules, but European politicians did not back down.

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A report from The Wall Street Journal states: Downloading apps to iPhone from third-party stores will impose restrictions and feesThis will encourage users to continue using the App Store. The company enforces strict standards on its store and requires developers to follow a multitude of rules. This approach has made the company’s devices less vulnerable to various types of fraud, viruses and espionage. But everything can change because downloading from unknown stores poses various threats to users’ privacy and security.

It is not yet known exactly how third-party stores will be charged – whether it will be a monthly subscription model or payment for each application. The sources also do not say what restrictions will be placed on users and third-party stores. It is only known that they will be developed and are being developed. We can only assume that there will be some limits on the number of applications or an obligation to comply with certain conditions in the programs themselves.

Now Apple charges 27 percent commission on in-app purchases made through alternative payment systems in the Netherlands. A similar pricing model for alternative payment methods can be expected to come into effect in other EU regions.

It remains to be seen whether this model will hold, as EU laws may be changed again to encourage Apple to lift restrictions on third-party stores and developers; these can only be considered anti-competitive.

The company has until March 6 to make the necessary changes.