Why Apple has lowered App Store commission rates in China
What's the story
Apple has announced a reduction in its App Store commission rates in China. The company said the new rate will be 25%, down from the previous 30%. The revised commission shall apply to paid apps and in-app purchases. For auto-renewals of in-app purchases after their first year, a lower rate of 12% (down from 15%) will be charged.
Implementation date
New rates take effect on March 15
The new commission rates will come into effect on March 15, 2026. Apple has clarified that developers won't have to accept any new terms for these changes. This move comes after discussions with the Chinese regulator and highlights Apple's commitment to maintaining a competitive App Store environment in China.
Market approach
Apple's growing revenue in China
The decision to lower commission rates without a public dispute shows the importance of the Chinese market for Apple. The company reported a 16% year-on-year revenue increase in China in Q1, thanks to strong iPhone sales. This is a stark contrast to its ongoing negotiations with regulators over commission changes in the EU and legal battles with Epic Games over monopoly claims.
Developer support
Changes reflected in Apple Developer Program License Agreement
The changes in China are reflected in the latest version of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. "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," Apple said in its announcement.