Apple proposes 5-to-15 percent commission on external App Store payments in US

Apple’s proposal replaces its previous 12-to-27 percent cut on external payments with a structured 5-to-15 percent commission. The new rates mirror existing App Store fee tiers, applying 15 percent to apps paying Apple’s standard 30 percent, 10 percent to partners in select programs, and 5 percent to Small Business Program participants. This preserves Apple’s revenue stream while complying with the court’s requirement to allow external payment links. Developers already enrolled in the Small Business Program would face a cost increase for external transactions, as their current 15 percent App Store fee drops to 5 percent only when bypassing Apple’s billing system.

The proposal stems from a 2021 court order mandating Apple permit external payment links, which Epic Games argued was insufficient due to Apple’s continued fee collection. After a contempt ruling and appeals, the court now must decide what constitutes a ‘fair’ commission. Apple’s sliding scale attempts to balance compliance with revenue retention, but the final rate will determine whether external payments become a viable alternative for developers or remain a nominal option with residual costs. The outcome may influence similar legal challenges in other regions.

Google’s parallel legal battle with Epic Games has already resulted in a 10 percent external payment commission and relaxed restrictions on third-party app stores. Unlike Apple’s tiered approach, Google’s flat rate simplifies cost structures for developers but still imposes a fee on transactions outside its ecosystem. The contrast highlights differing strategies: Apple’s proposal maintains granular control over revenue, while Google’s changes prioritize compliance with antitrust rulings. Both cases underscore the tension between platform monetization and regulatory pressure to reduce barriers for developers.

For engineers and product teams, the proposal introduces operational complexity. Integrating external payment systems now requires accounting for Apple’s commission, which varies by developer program and transaction type. Small businesses, which make up the majority of Apple’s developer base, would see the smallest fee increase but must still adapt to a dual-payment model. The uncertainty around the court’s final decision adds risk to long-term monetization planning, particularly for apps relying on subscription renewals or partner programs. Developers may need to weigh the cost savings of external payments against the administrative overhead of compliance.