Apple has stated that the warning messages displayed next to EU App Store listings that utilize third-party payment systems are not novel
Apple implemented a warning with a red exclamation mark adjacent to applications that failed to implement its proprietary “private and secure payment system,” as indicated by numerous recent reports.
The message appeared to discourage users from utilizing external payment mechanisms, which are now permissible under the new EU law, the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Nevertheless, the iPhone manufacturer verified to TechCrunch that these user-disclosure screens have been available on the EU App Store since the inception of Apple’s DMA Compliance Plan in March 2024. Contrary to the assertions of specific individuals, they were not recently implemented.
It is comprehensible that there was apprehension regarding the warning displays, as Apple has recently been subject to a significant legal defeat by Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite. The court’s ruling compelled Apple to permit app developers in the United States to link to external payment options without being required to pay Apple’s commission. The company appealed that decision, and the additional EU warnings were probably part of Apple’s retaliatory strategy. It is possible that the organization intended to convey to developers that it would not relinquish commissions without a dispute.
However, it is necessary to provide an alternative explanation, as the displays are not new.
The confusion seems to be the result of a single post that gathered traction on the social network X on Monday. The post displays an App Store listing for an EU-based application named Instacar, which includes a notice informing users that the app does not support the App Store’s private and secure payment system. It employs acquisitions from external sources.
The cautionary message also directs users to a link that allows them to “Learn More.”
“First time seeing this,” wrote X user Viktor Maric, remarking on the warning screen. “Apple will punish the apps with external payment system [sic].”
Maric’s post was liked by thousands of X users and reposted by hundreds, including members of the mobile developer community. Unsurprisingly, the message was disapproved by most individuals, who referred to it as “malicious compliance” and “entitled” behavior on Apple’s part.
Regardless of their opinions, the user disclosure interface is not a novel concept.
Apple directed us to an X post from RevenueCat CEO Jacob Eiting, who, in direct response to Maric, accurately stated that the disclosures are exclusive to the EU and have existed for some time.
Eiting hypothesized that the warnings are only now being noticed by the public because a limited number of EU developers have taken advantage of the external purchase option that the DMA allows. (critics have criticized Apple’s DMA Compliance Plan for being confusing and containing “junk fees” intended to compensate for the lost commissions on in-app purchases.)
Apple also responded to TechCrunch that it intended to revise the message following the initial backlash. The company announced a series of modifications to its DMA plan in August 2024, which would have involved modifying the user disclosure interface. The new message would have stated, “Transactions in this app are supported by the developer and not Apple,” rather than cautioning users about the risks of using external purchases. Please refer to the information provided below.
The technology colossus maintains that the European Commission (EC) did not object to the revised message; however, it advised Apple to refrain from making any modifications. Apple maintained the current screen without additional direction.
EC imposed a €500 million sanction on Apple in April 2025 for noncompliance with the Digital Markets Act. Apple is currently contesting the ruling.
