Key facts
- Apple proposed a 15% commission on purchases made through external links in apps.
- Developers in special programs and those with subscription renewals would receive reduced rates.
- Small business developers would pay a 5% commission.
- Apple's proposal comes after the Supreme Court rejected its bid to pause legal proceedings.
- Apple justifies the fees as necessary to cover its investments in the App Store and related services.
Apple has submitted a proposal to the U.S. District Court of Northern California detailing new commission rates for purchases made through external links within apps on its iOS devices. The company is proposing a 15% commission for standard apps, with further reductions for developers enrolled in specific Apple programs and for subscription renewals. Small business developers would face a 5% commission.
This filing follows a legal battle with Epic Games over Apple's alleged anti-competitive App Store policies. Apple had attempted to delay this specific commission structure proposal until a Supreme Court ruling on a related matter concerning contempt of a court order. However, the Supreme Court rejected Apple's request to pause the lower court proceedings, compelling the company to reveal its proposed commission structure.
Apple's stated rationale for charging these fees is to recoup its investments in the technology and services required to maintain its App Store and software. The company also drew a comparison to Google Play's commission rates, which it noted are higher for standard apps and special programs.