The path that Apple is taking in Europe is not pleasing to many, including big tech companies. Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, the video game division of Microsoft, has posted on Twitter the company’s first official comment on Apple’s new rules for its app stores in the European Union.
Microsoft’s management described Apple’s new policies as “a step in the wrong direction” and added that they hope Apple “listens to feedback on their proposed plan and works towards a more inclusive future for everyone”.
The new European rules for Apple’s app stores were announced last week and aim to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. At first glance, the new rules seemed to be a victory for app developers and publishers, as Apple will allow them to be uploaded to alternative stores.
However, Apple’s new policies also impose a series of restrictions on this type of functions, including charging commissions to app developers if they link them to third-party payment systems. Apple’s new rules establish, among other things, that those who want to establish a third-party store must obtain a letter of credit for one million euros beforehand. Something that Microsoft won’t be happy about, as they are building their own mobile app store.
