Apple lowers App Store commissions in China, cutting headline rate to 25%

Key change

It has been reported that Apple (苹果公司) will reduce App Store commission rates for the China mainland market, effective March 15, 2026. The company will cut the standard commission on in‑app purchases and paid apps from 30% to 25%. Eligible developers in the App Store Small Business Program and the Mini Apps Partner Program will see their in‑app purchase commission and post‑first‑year auto‑renewal subscription rate fall from 15% to 12%.

Why it matters

Apple framed the move as an effort to make iOS and iPadOS the best app ecosystem and commercial opportunity for Chinese developers, and said it intends to keep China fee levels no higher than overall rates in other markets. Why now? China’s app market is unique: Google’s Play Store is absent, domestic Android app stores are dominant, and Beijing has stepped up scrutiny of platform fees and competition. Foreign tech firms must navigate regulatory pressure, local rivals and a complex geopolitical backdrop.

What to watch

Will lower fees change developer behaviour or boost spending on the platform? Reportedly, Apple hopes so, but the firm will still face competition from entrenched local app channels and ongoing regulatory attention. Analysts and developers will be watching uptake and any follow‑on policy adjustments as the change takes effect next year.