Apple has proposed a new commission structure for purchases made through external links within iOS apps. This move comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the company’s App Store policies.
In a recent filing with the U.S. District Court of Northern California, Apple outlined a 15% commission rate for standard apps on transactions completed via external links. Developers enrolled in specific Apple programs would benefit from reduced rates: small business developers would incur a 5% fee, while participants in the Video Partner Program, News Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program would face a 10% commission. Additionally, subscription renewals would be subject to a 10% fee.
This proposal follows a protracted legal battle with Epic Games, which has challenged Apple’s App Store commission practices. Apple had previously attempted to delay submitting this commission structure, arguing that proceedings should await a Supreme Court decision on whether the company was in contempt for implementing a 27% commission on external link purchases and imposing restrictions on how developers could present these links.
The Supreme Court recently declined Apple’s request to pause the lower court’s case, compelling the company to disclose its proposed commission rates. Apple maintains that these fees are necessary to recoup investments in the tools, technology, and services that support the App Store and its software ecosystem.
Apple also drew comparisons to Google’s Play Store, which charges a 20% commission for standard apps on external link transactions, 15% for apps in special programs, and 10% for subscription renewals. Notably, Epic Games has agreed to these rates on the Play Store.
As the legal proceedings continue, the tech industry is closely monitoring the outcome, which could have significant implications for app developers and the broader app marketplace.
