Apple proposes to take a 15% cut of purchases made outside the App Store
News Source
β’Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:54:48 +0000
π° What Happened
Apple has proposed charging a 15% commission on purchases made through external links inside apps on iPhones. This came after the Supreme Court rejected Apple's attempt to delay the process. Under the plan, standard apps would pay 15%, small developers would pay 5%, and partners in special programs like Video and News would pay 10%. Subscription renewals would be reduced to 10%.
The proposal is part of Apple's long legal battle with Epic Games over App Store rules. Apple argues it should get paid for the tools and services it provides to developers. The company had tried to argue that the lower court should wait for the Supreme Court to rule on another part of the case, but the Supreme Court said no, forcing Apple to reveal its commission plan.
π The Backstory
Apple and Epic Games have been fighting in court since 2020. Epic sued Apple over its App Store rules, saying Apple has too much control and charges too much. Apple takes 15% to 30% of all money spent inside apps, which developers say is unfair. The case has gone through multiple courts and appeals.
This fight is about how much power Apple has over its iPhone platform. Apple says its rules keep users safe and the App Store is a valuable service. Developers say Apple is a monopoly that forces them to pay high fees or get kicked out. Other companies like Spotify and Meta have also complained about Apple's rules. Governments in Europe and the US are looking into whether Apple's App Store rules break competition laws. This proposal is Apple's attempt to satisfy the court while still keeping control over payments on its devices.
π― Why It Matters
If you use an iPhone, these rules affect what apps you can get and how much they cost. Lower commissions could mean cheaper apps and subscriptions. This case could change how Apple and other tech companies run their app stores forever.
Apple has proposed charging a 15% commission on purchases made through external links inside apps on iPhones. This came after the Supreme Court rejected Apple's attempt to delay the process. Under the plan, standard apps would pay 15%, small developers would pay 5%, and partners in special programs like Video and News would pay 10%. Subscription renewals would be reduced to 10%.
The proposal is part of Apple's long legal battle with Epic Games over App Store rules. Apple argues it should get paid for the tools and services it provides to developers. The company had tried to argue that the lower court should wait for the Supreme Court to rule on another part of the case, but the Supreme Court said no, forcing Apple to reveal its commission plan.
Apple and Epic Games have been fighting in court since 2020. Epic sued Apple over its App Store rules, saying Apple has too much control and charges too much. Apple takes 15% to 30% of all money spent inside apps, which developers say is unfair. The case has gone through multiple courts and appeals.
This fight is about how much power Apple has over its iPhone platform. Apple says its rules keep users safe and the App Store is a valuable service. Developers say Apple is a monopoly that forces them to pay high fees or get kicked out. Other companies like Spotify and Meta have also complained about Apple's rules. Governments in Europe and the US are looking into whether Apple's App Store rules break competition laws. This proposal is Apple's attempt to satisfy the court while still keeping control over payments on its devices.
If you use an iPhone, these rules affect what apps you can get and how much they cost. Lower commissions could mean cheaper apps and subscriptions. This case could change how Apple and other tech companies run their app stores forever.