Apple has completed the final distribution of funds from its Small Developer Assistance Fund, created to support U.S. app developers. This initiative aimed to address concerns related to App Store policies and commission fees.
Background
Apple agreed to a $100 million settlement to resolve concerns about App Store policies, particularly regarding commissions on app sales and in-app purchases. The settlement led to the creation of the fund, compensating developers who earned proceeds through the App Store between June 2015 and April 2021.
Eligibility and Payout Structure
Developers eligible for the fund were those with annual App Store proceeds under $1 million during the specified period. The payout structure followed a tiered system based on earnings:
- Under $100: $250 minimum payout
- $100–$1,000: $500 minimum payout
- $1,000–$5,000: $1,000 minimum payout
- $5,000–$10,000: $1,500 minimum payout
- $10,000–$50,000: $2,000 minimum payout
- $50,000–$100,000: $3,500 minimum payout
- $100,000–$250,000: $5,000 minimum payout
- $250,000–$500,000: $10,000 minimum payout
- $500,000–$1,000,000: $20,000 minimum payout
- Over $1,000,000: $30,000 minimum payout
Payout Phases
The fund’s distribution occurred in multiple phases:
- Initial Payouts (2022): Developers received payments, often exceeding minimum projections due to fewer claims than expected.
- Second Round (2023): Additional funds were distributed based on earnings brackets.
- Final Distribution (2025): The last round of payments ranged from $20 to over $2,400, depending on eligibility.
Conclusion
With the final payments completed, Apple has fulfilled its commitment to the Small Developer Assistance Fund, offering financial relief to eligible developers and addressing concerns regarding App Store policies.
