Apple to lower commissions on in-app purchases in China

Apple has announced that it will cut its commissions on in-app purchases that apply to the Chinese mainland starting March 15, 2026.

In a statement on Thursday, the company said that the adjustment will take effect on that date for commission rates that apply to the Chinese mainland storefront of the App Store on iOS and iPadOS.

The commission rate for standard Apple in-app purchase and paid app transactions will drop from 30% currently to 25%.

The commission rate for qualifying Apple in-app purchase transactions under the App Store Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program, and for auto-renewals of Apple in-app purchase subscriptions after the first year, will fall from the current 15% to 12%.

Apple said it is making changes to the App Store in China, following discussions with the Chinese regulator.

The company also clarified that developers do not need to sign the updated terms by March 15 to benefit from the new rates.

Apple is "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," said the statement.

(With input from Xinhua)