Apple proposes 15% commission on external app store purchases

Apple has submitted a proposal to a US federal judge seeking permission to charge commissions of up to 15% on purchases made through external links within iOS applications. The filing, lodged in the US District Court of Northern California, outlines a standard 15% rate for general apps, with reduced tiers for specific developer categories and subscription models.

Under the proposed structure, small business developers would be subject to a 5% commission on payments. Developers enrolled in the Video Partner Program, News Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program, as well as those processing subscription renewals, would pay a reduced rate of 10%.

The submission follows the US Supreme Court’s rejection of Apple’s request to delay proceedings in its ongoing legal dispute with Epic Games regarding anti-competitive practices. Apple had argued that lower court proceedings should await a Supreme Court ruling on whether the company was in contempt of a previous order that imposed a 27% commission on external link purchases and restricted how developers could present those links.

Apple’s position is that it should be permitted to charge fees on in-app purchases to recoup investments in the tools, technology, and services required to maintain the App Store and its software. The company also compared its proposed link-out fees to those on Google Play, noting that Google charges 20% for standard apps, 15% for special programs, and 10% for subscription renewals, and that Epic Games had previously agreed to these rates.

The proposal remains subject to judicial approval and has not yet been authorised by the court.