Antitrust requirements are gradually changing the App Store model: Apple is being pushed to loosen its control over payments and commissions, and the effects are already visible in the services business.

What is changing in the App Store model

  • Apple for the first time acknowledged the impact of changes in legislation on its business.
  • The changes force the company to loosen its control over the App Store.
  • Regulation impacts more than $100 billion in services business.
  • Antitrust measures undermine one of the most profitable businesses.
  • Apple’s services revenues and profits fell below analysts’ expectations.
  • Apple may not receive commissions from alternative payment processors.
  • Years of regulatory intervention have led to lower fees.

How regulation is affecting the figures

  • U.S. consumer spending through the App Store fell 6% in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Apple’s commission income in the US market fell by 18% this year.
  • Global consumer spending in the second quarter of 2026 through the App Store grew by 3%.
  • App Store revenues have also begun to decline in the markets of Brazil, Japan and other markets.

The trend differs by market: US figures are declining while global spending still shows moderate growth. The effects of regulation therefore need to be assessed region by region.