Apple proposes 15% commission on purchases outside App Store
Original: Apple proposes to take a 15% cut of purchases made outside the App Store
Why This Matters
The outcome will set a precedent for how platform owners can monetize third-party payment links across the mobile app ecosystem.
Apple filed a proposal in U.S. District Court on August 14, 2026, outlining a 15% commission on external link purchases in iOS apps. Small business developers would pay 5%, Video/News/Mini Apps Partner Program members 10%, and subscription renewals 10%.
Apple submitted its external link commission proposal to the U.S. District Court of Northern California on August 14, 2026, as part of its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games. Under the proposed structure, standard apps would be subject to a 15% commission on purchases made via external links. Small business developers enrolled in Apple's small business program would pay a reduced 5% rate, while developers in the Video Partner Program, News Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program would pay 10%. Subscription renewals would also be capped at 10%. Apple was compelled to submit the proposal after the Supreme Court rejected its bid to pause lower court proceedings on the same day. Apple had previously argued that the case should be stayed pending a Supreme Court ruling on whether Apple was in contempt of court for imposing a 27% commission on external link purchases and imposing restrictions on how developers could present those links. In its filing, Apple justified the fees as compensation for its investments in App Store tools, technology, and services. Apple also pointed to Google Play's link-out rates—20% for standard apps, 15% for special programs, and 10% for subscription renewals—as a comparable benchmark, noting that Epic Games had accepted those terms.