Apple Lowers App Store Commissions in China to 25% and 12%

Apple has reduced App Store commission rates for developers in mainland China. The changes took effect on March 15, 2026, following discussions with Chinese regulators. The update applies to the China storefront on iOS and iPadOS. It adjusts both standard and program-specific fees and does not require developers to accept new terms.

The standard commission on App Store transactions, including paid app downloads and in-app purchases, has been cut from 30% to 25%. For developers in the App Store Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program, rates drop from 15% to 12%. 

The same 12% commission now applies to auto-renewing subscription payments after the first year. Apple confirmed the revised rates are automatically applied to eligible transactions from March 15.

Apple App Store China Fee Reduction Details

The changes were formally outlined in an update published on March 12, 2026, which specified adjustments limited to the mainland China storefront. Apple stated the move is part of efforts to keep its platform viable for developers in the region while maintaining pricing parity with other markets.

“We strive for iOS and iPadOS to be the best app ecosystem and a great business opportunity for developers in China,” Apple noted. It added that it remains committed to “fair and transparent” terms and competitive rates aligned with global standards.

The revision reflects increasing regulatory engagement in China around platform fees, in-app payment systems, and market competition. It also includes scrutiny under the country’s Anti-Monopoly Law and reported probes into App Store practices. Complaints have challenged Apple’s commission model, in-app payment rules, and distribution restrictions.

The adjustment comes as China’s app economy operates at a significant scale. The market generates about $55.7 billion USD in revenue and is driven by over 1B smartphone users. 

Meanwhile, developers in China generated an estimated $539B in App Store billings and sales in 2024. This highlights the market’s importance to Apple’s services business. The latest fee cuts are expected to save developers over 6B yuan ($873M) annually.

Overall, Apple is adjusting its revenue model by lowering commissions across tiers while keeping its App Store structure intact.