Commission rates are decreasing from 30 percent to 25 percent.
Apple is reducing App Store developer fees in China starting March 15th, lowering its standard commission on purchases from 30 percent to 25 percent. This decision follows “discussions with the Chinese regulator,” according to Apple’s announcement, suggesting the reduction aims to prevent regulatory action after China reportedly considered investigating Apple’s App Store fees and policies in early February.
The fee updates will affect the App Store on both iOS and iPadOS. The commission rate for small businesses and mini app developers will also decrease from 15 percent to 12 percent. This change is not Apple’s first instance of adapting to China’s demands but is the company’s latest effort to avoid conflict with a country that accounts for an estimated 17 percent of Apple’s revenue. Apple has also made similar modifications to its app store policies to satisfy regulators in the EU.
“We strive for iOS and iPadOS to be the best app ecosystem and a great business opportunity for developers in China,” Apple stated in its announcement. “We are committed to terms that remain fair and transparent to all developers, and to always offering competitive App Store rates to developers distributing apps in China that are no higher than overall rates in other markets.”