Apple has accused the European Commission of using "political delay tactics," intentionally postponing the implementation of the iPhone maker's new app policy to create a pretext for launching investigations and imposing fines. This statement from Apple serves as a preemptive response to external reports suggesting the European Commission is preparing to blame Apple for the impending closure of the third-party app marketplace Setapp. Setapp is scheduled to shut down next month. Its developer, MacPaw, stated that the decision was made because the "still-evolving and complex commercial terms are incompatible with Setapp's current business model." Third-party app marketplaces serve as alternatives to Apple's built-in App Store on its devices. Currently, Apple generates revenue by charging multiple fees to the third-party marketplaces themselves, as well as on the apps and digital goods listed on them. Apple stated last year that it planned to switch to a 5% revenue share model, a proposal considered more economically favorable for developers compared to the current fee structure. According to statements seen by media, the European Commission is preparing to issue a declaration regarding Setapp's closure, stating: "Apple has not yet introduced adjustments to address the key issues with its commercial terms, including their complexity." Apple, in its own statement, asserted that the reason for the delay in implementing the new pricing mechanism lies precisely with the delays and obstructions from the European Commission side.
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