Technology

This isn’t going to fly with the EU.

If the EU didn't want to allow this then they should have written the law differently, but poorly-written regulations are their specialty. Apple's plan complies with the letter of the law. Developers are free to use a direct sales channel and can offer any price they want, along with various conditions that aren't an option in the App Store. They just have to pay a commission for access to the lucrative market Apple built. The specific percentage of the commission is such that it's not actually a desirable option for developers, but the law didn't say that Apple had to make it desirable to avoid the App Store's existing sales system.

No fan of apple. Don't own a single product.

But my guess they are planning to argue thay this part of the rule.

"at prices or conditions that are different from those offered through the online intermediation services of the gatekeeper."

Mean they cannot allow free side loading when many apps on their store have to pay to be available. Also as they have rules limiting the apps allowed via their store front. Allowing free side loading without checking the activities of the app. Would also be allowing conditions different from their store.

My guess is they want to argue that the law is badly formed and cannot be followed while providing a safe enviroment within your own services.