Japan Opens App Store and Google Play to Alternative Payments

Japan has formally opened its mobile app ecosystem to competition, requiring dominant platforms to allow alternative payment providers and rival app marketplaces under the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). The law applies to leading mobile platforms, including Apple and Google, and forces changes to long-standing controls over app distribution and in-app payments. 

Apple is the first platform holder to publicly outline how it will comply with the MSCA in Japan, while Google has not yet released a comparable implementation framework for Google Play.

In its official press release on 17 Dec. 2025, Apple said the MSCA “create(s) new options for developers to distribute apps on alternative app marketplaces and to process app payments for digital goods and services outside of Apple In-App Purchase,” with changes taking effect in Japan starting today through iOS 26.2. 

Apple also warned that the law “open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, and privacy and security risks,” adding that it has worked with Japanese regulators to introduce safeguards to limit those risks.

Alternative App Marketplaces and Payment Providers Now Allowed by Japan's MSCA

Under the MSCA, developers can continue to distribute apps through the App Store or choose to distribute through Apple-authorized alternative app marketplaces. Apps distributed outside the App Store will not undergo full App Review and will instead be subject to a baseline notarization process focused on basic functionality and screening for known malware and serious security threats.

For payments, app store apps in Japan can now include alternative payment processing or link users to external websites to complete transactions. Apple In-App Purchase will continue to be offered alongside these options. 

Apple stated refunds, subscription management, and purchase history will apply only to transactions handled through its own system, and that it will have limited ability to assist users with issues tied to non-Apple payments.

Apple's Fees, Commissions, and Safeguards for Users and Children in Japan

Apple also announced updated business terms for iOS apps in Japan, with App Store commissions reduced to 10% for most developers or 21% for others, with a separate 5% Apple payment processing fee for in-app purchases. 

Web transactions linked from apps will incur a 15% store services commission, or 10% for eligible developers, while apps distributed outside the App Store will pay a 5% Core Technology Commission.

Apple said developers selling digital goods and services in Japan will pay the same or less than they do today, while those that do not sell digital goods will continue to pay no fees. 

Apple also added that it has preserved child safety guardrails, including parental gates for alternative payments and limits on external transaction links for younger users, as Japan forces its mobile platforms to open up to competition.