Apple sparks outrage by introducing transaction fees that could charge iPhone and iPad app users more money

• Consumers are already paying more for subscriptions to popular apps such as X 

Apple has sparked outrage by introducing transaction fees that could cost iPhone and iPad app users more money.

The tech giant was ordered by a US judge to change the rules around its so-called ‘Apple tax’ – a 30 per cent levy on subscriptions and in-app purchases.

It must allow app developers to offer users ways of paying outside of Apple’s system where the tax does not apply.

But court documents have revealed that the firm will still profit after introducing a 27 per cent commission on purchases.

Consumers are already paying more for subscriptions to popular apps – such as Audible and X – as firms pass the cost on.

The move only affects App Store users in the US, but there are fears it could be introduced in the UK. 

Ministers were last night urged to legislate for tech watchdog Digital Markets Unit to ensure it doesn’t.

Spotify said: ‘The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill must put an end to this false posturing, which is essentially a recreation of Apple’s fees.’ 

Apple does not charge the levy on free apps or those that provide ‘tangible services’ such as Deliveroo or Uber.