Amid rising competition and increasing regulatory attention, Apple has announced changes to its App Store commission structure in China. The company confirmed that it will reduce the fees charged to developers on app sales and in-app purchases, following discussions with local regulators.
According to updates on Apple’s developer platform, the revised commission rates will take effect from Mar 15. The standard commission on paid app downloads and in-app purchases through the App Store will drop from 30% to 25% in mainland China. The change will apply to transactions made through Apple’s in-app payment system on iPhone and iPad devices.
The company will also lower commissions for developers enrolled in specific programmes. Under the App Store Small Business Program and the Mini Apps Partner Program, the current commission of 15% will be reduced to 12%.
Apple also confirmed that auto-renewing subscriptions will see further reductions. Developers will pay a 12% commission on subscription renewals after the first year, lowering the existing reduced rate applied to long-term subscriptions.
The company clarified that developers will not need to sign updated agreements before Mar 15. Once the policy changes take effect, the lower commission rates will be automatically applied to all eligible transactions.
Apple said the decision is aimed at keeping the iOS ecosystem competitive and attractive for developers in China. The company noted that the adjustments are part of its broader effort to maintain fair and transparent policies while staying competitive with other digital marketplaces.
The move comes as domestic technology ecosystems in China continue to expand. Companies such as Xiaomi have been strengthening their own app platforms, increasing competition for global app distribution channels.
Meanwhile, Google has also introduced changes to developer policies within the Google Play ecosystem. The company recently expanded billing options, allowing developers in certain markets to offer alternative payment systems alongside Google Play’s billing service. It has also taken steps to improve access for third-party app stores on Android devices.
These developments highlight the evolving app marketplace, where global technology firms are adjusting their policies to remain competitive while responding to regulatory and market pressures.
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