Microsoft criticizes new App Store rules in Europe

Microsoft is not happy with the new App Store rules implemented in Europe. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Xbox head Sarah Bond said Apple’s policies were “a step in the wrong direction.”

“We believe that constructive conversations foster change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition. Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they will take feedback on the proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for everyone,” Bond said. appeared on air.

We believe that constructive conversations foster change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition. Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they will consider feedback on their proposed plans and work towards a more inclusive future for everyone. https://t.co/mDRI5KPJf6

— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) January 29, 2024

Sarah Bond’s post complemented the complaints of Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who used his personal account on X to express his displeasure with the App Store’s unprecedented policies.

Among the new rules, Apple determines that every application distributed through the App Store exceeds 1 million downloads and the developer must pay € 0.50 (about R$ 2.69) for each installation. Additionally, each alternative app store must pay €0.50 per user per year.

Sarah Bond has been president of Xbox since last Friday (26). She is responsible for controlling the platform.

For Microsoft, the consequences of opening Apple’s application stores are extremely important. Since October 2022, there have been signs that the company is working on its own app store for mobile phones, similar to the Epic Games Store.

Apple’s new rules

Now that the ecosystem is more open, it might be the ideal time to join iOS. However, the criteria announced by Apple are complex and most of the control is in the hands of the company.

Microsoft’s flouting of App Store guidelines could also put Xbox Cloud Gaming in Apple’s spotlight. The platform finally launched on iOS on Thursday 25th, without as many restrictions as when it first launched.