That's according to the bloc's industry chief, Thierry Breton, who gave an exclusive interview to Reuters on Friday (January 26).

From March, the tech giant will allow software developers to distribute their apps on Apple devices via alternative app stores...

in order to comply with the EU's new Digital Markets Act.

Developers can also opt out of using Apple's in-payment system, which charges commissions of up to 30%.

But critics have said the changes don't go far enough.

They've argued that Apple's fee structure remains unfair and that the changes could be in violation of the DMA.

Under Apple's new EU regime, developers will still have to submit apps to Apple for review for cybersecurity risks and obvious fraud.

Apple device users in the EU will be able to choose their default web browsers and contactless payments apps.

This means they could make contactless payments without using the Apple Pay system.

But even if developers opt not to use Apple's App Store or payment system, they will still be required to pay a yearly "core technology fee" of around 50 cents per user account per year.

However, Apple said on Friday the core technology fee only applies to developers who choose to opt into the new business terms.

Under the new business terms for EU apps, the tech firm estimates that 99 percent of developers would reduce or maintain the fees they owe to Apple.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said: "We take note of Apple's announcements ahead of the compliance deadline on 7 March. We do not comment on these announcements."