Apple has proposed taking a 15% commission on purchases made through external links inside iPhone and iPad apps, as the company faces pressure to change how it charges developers outside the App Store.
In a filing with a US federal court, Apple said standard apps would pay a 15% fee on such transactions, but developers in some of its special programmes would qualify for lower rates.
Small businesses would pay 5%, while developers in Apple’s Video, News and Mini Apps Partner Programmes would pay 10%, as subscription renewals would also attract a 10% commission.
The proposal comes amid Apple’s long-running legal dispute with Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, over the App Store’s payment rules and commissions.
Apple had sought to delay submitting its proposed rates while it challenged a lower-court ruling related to fees on purchases made through external payment links.
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The US Supreme Court rejected Apple’s request to pause the proceedings, forcing the company to present its proposed commission structure.
Apple argues that charging fees on external purchases helps it recover the cost of developing and maintaining the technology, tools and services that support its devices and App Store ecosystem.
The company also pointed to Google Play’s existing external payment fees, saying Google charges 20% for standard apps, 15% for some special programmes and 10% on subscription renewals.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
