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 Apple yesterday updated its App Store fees in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act and to put an end to its ongoing conflict with the European Commission. Apple cut the Core Technology Fee and simplified its pricing structure, so apps distributed through alternative marketplaces or through the web will pay less than before.
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The new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL doesn't dramatically reinvent the company's flagship smartphone formula. From a hardware perspective, this year's model represents an incremental update. But after spending time with Google's latest full-featured Pixel, I've found that some of its most meaningful improvements for business users aren't necessarily the things that stand out on a spec sheet or benchmark chart.
Starting at $1,299 with 256GB of storage, the Pixel 11 Pro XL features a 6.8-in. Super Actua LTPO OLED display, Google's new Tensor G6 processor, a 5115mAh battery and an updated triple-camera system. Google also pledges seven years of operating system, Android security and Pixel Drop updates.
The hardware is very good, but Google's deeper integration of Gemini with Android and other thoughtful software features are what make this device more interesting.
Tensor G6 performance: The numbers don't tell the whole story
Google's Tensor processors have never been benchmark chart-toppers, and the Tensor G6 doesn't change that. In Geekbench 6, the Pixel 11 Pro XL scored 2,736 single-core and 7,399 multi-core numbers. That's a healthy improvement over the Pixel 10 Pro XL's 2,326 and 6,413, respectively, but well behind devices like Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra (at 3,683 and 11,243) powered by Qualcomm's latest SoCs.
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Apple has changed its App Store fee structure in the EU in a move to further satisfy the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). While critics continue to argue the changes don't go far enough, the European Commission welcomed the changes made and plans to monitor how they're implemented.
The new fee structure
Specifically, Apple introduced a less complex system than it had offered before, with a lower, but universal, 5% Core Technology fee applied on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store. Apple changed its commission structure and eliminated some fees, including initial acquisition and store services fees. It has also expanded the scope of eligibility to operate alternative app marketplaces. The new changes go into effect Oct. 1, and include (verbatim from Apple's statement):
For App Store apps using Apple In-App Purchase, the commission will be 26%. For the vast majority of developers, including those in the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, or Video Partner Program, and for auto-renewing subscriptions after their first year, it will be 15%.
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