Apple is reducing its commission rate in the App Store in China to 25% from 30% following discussions with Chinese regulators. The company announced the change on Thursday. The new 25% commission will apply to paid apps and in-app purchases. A lower rate of 12%, down from 15%, will be charged for auto-renewals of in-app purchases after their first year. These changes will take effect on March 15, 2026, and will not require developers to accept new terms.
The decision to adjust commissions without a prolonged public dispute highlights both the importance of China to Apple’s market and how Apple views the business value of its App Store. In its first quarter, Apple reported soaring iPhone sales in China, with revenue up 16% year-over-year, contributing to a record-breaking quarter.
This stands in contrast to the situation in the European Union, where Apple and regulators have been engaged in years of back-and-forth negotiations over commission changes. In China, Apple seemingly lowered its rates without pushback. Meanwhile, in the United States, Apple prevailed in a legal battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games, where a judge decided the iPhone maker was not a monopoly. However, developers won the right to direct users to alternative purchase methods. As a result, Apple has maintained its standard rates in the U.S., though it offers discounted rates for programs like its small business program.
The changes for China are documented in the new version of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. Apple stated in its announcement, “We are committed to terms that remain fair and transparent to all developers, and to always offering competitive App Store rates to developers distributing apps in China that are no higher than overall rates in other markets.”