[AnonC]

> For most developers this will be a deal breaker, because it also applies to free software which most of the time is only supported by donations

If the app is taking donations or any sort of payment, then the Core Technology Fee applies after 1 million first installs in a year. If it’s a completely free app, this fee does not apply. This fee also does not apply for educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies (with a fee waiver).

Quoting from “ Understanding the Core Technology Fee for iOS apps in the European Union” [1]:

> Developers whose apps do not surpass one million first annual installs per year and nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities with an Apple Developer Program fee waiver do not pay the CTF. The CTF is also not required for developers with a no revenue business that offer free apps without monetization.

[1]: https://developer.apple.com/support/core-technology-fee/

[lozenge]

What about free as in beer software which includes some ads?

[hk__2]

This doesn't count as "completely free":

> Apple provides many conditions where developers do not pay the CTF: […] Developers that earn no revenue whatsoever. This includes offering a free app without monetization of any kind (physical, digital, advertising, or otherwise).

(from the link above)