In a concession of sorts to developers that have accused the tech giant of wielding too much power in the digital ecosystem, Apple is cutting its App Store fees by half—collecting 15 per cent instead of 30 per cent for companies that generate no more than US$1 million in revenue through its platform. Developers that exceed the US$1-million mark will continue paying the 30 per cent fee. (The Wall Street Journal)

Talking point: Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose company is currently engaged in a legal battle with Apple over its fees, called the move “calculated,” saying it was designed to “divide app creators” and preserve Apple’s monopoly. Spotify called on regulators to ignore Apple’s “window dressing.” Both companies generate well over US$1 million in sales through the App Store, and hence do not qualify for the discount. The App Store has come under scrutiny in a congressional antitrust investigation into Big Tech, with an October subcommittee report questioning the size of the fee. It is unclear how much revenue Apple would lose as a result of the fee change, but the company said of the 1.8 million apps in its App Store, a majority would be eligible for the discount.