Apple App Store fees in China dropped from 30 per cent to 25 per cent, the company said, following regulatory scrutiny from Chinese authorities over its commission structure for developers.
In addition, Apple stated that commissions for in-app purchases under its App Store small business and mini apps partner programmes will fall from 15 per cent to 12 per cent. The changes take effect on 15 March 2026 and apply to apps built for iOS and iPadOS.
Apple App Store Fees: What Changes in China
Apple stated it is committed to offering competitive App Store rates to developers distributing apps in China that are no higher than overall rates in other markets. China is Apple’s third-largest market globally, making the fee adjustment commercially significant.
Regulatory Background
In early 2025, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation opened an investigation into Apple’s business practices. The probe specifically targeted the 30 per cent commission Apple charged on in-app purchases and to app developers operating on its platform.
The investigation added pressure on Apple to align its fee structure with local regulatory expectations. Consequently, the company moved to reduce its standard commission rate ahead of the 15 March effective date.
Impact on Developers
Developers enrolled in the small business programme will benefit from the reduced 12 per cent rate, down from 15 per cent. Moreover, the lower standard rate of 25 per cent applies broadly to iOS and iPadOS app developers distributing through the China App Store.
“Apple is committed to offering competitive App Store rates to developers distributing apps in China that are no higher than overall rates in other markets.”
Apple, Company Statement
Context and Market Position
China represents a critical revenue source for Apple, ranking as its third-largest market after the United States and Europe. The fee reduction follows a broader global trend of regulators scrutinising platform commission structures imposed by large technology companies.
The European Union, for instance, has pursued similar actions under its Digital Markets Act, compelling Apple to open its platform to third-party app distribution. Furthermore, South Korea and the United States have also examined Apple’s App Store policies in recent years.
Future Outlook
The fee changes effective 15 March 2026 signal Apple’s willingness to adapt its commission model under regulatory pressure. However, it remains unclear whether Apple will extend comparable reductions to other markets facing similar regulatory scrutiny. Developers and industry observers will monitor whether the China adjustments set a precedent for further global fee changes across the apps ecosystem.