Apple has announced changes to the commission rates applied to digital transactions on the China mainland storefront of the App Store for devices running iOS and iPadOS, following discussions with Chinese regulators. The adjustments will take effect on 15 March 2026.
Under the revised terms, Apple will reduce the commission charged on standard in-app purchases and paid app downloads to 25%, down from the current 30%. The company will also lower the commission rate applied to qualifying transactions under the App Store Small Business Program and the Mini Apps Partner Program, as well as to auto-renewing subscriptions after their first year. For these categories, the commission will fall to 12%, compared with the previous 15% rate.
Apple stated that developers will benefit from the lower rates automatically once the changes take effect, and that signing updated contractual terms by the implementation date will not be necessary to receive the revised commission structure.
The adjustment is an unusual step for Apple in China, which is the company’s largest international market. While the App Store’s commission framework has long been a central feature of Apple’s digital ecosystem, the reduction reflects the outcome of recent engagement between the company and Chinese regulatory authorities regarding platform fees and developer conditions.
In announcing the change, Apple emphasized its intention to maintain a competitive environment for developers operating within its ecosystem in China. The company stated that it aims to ensure the iOS and iPadOS ecosystem remains an attractive commercial platform for app developers in the country.
Apple also highlighted its broader commitment to maintaining “fair and transparent” terms for developers and ensuring that commission rates for apps distributed through the Chinese storefront remain competitive with those applied in other markets.
The move may have implications for the rapidly growing Chinese app economy, where both domestic and international developers rely heavily on Apple’s mobile ecosystem to reach users. Lower commission rates could reduce distribution costs for developers selling digital content or subscriptions through the platform.
The fee reduction will apply to all eligible transactions on the China mainland App Store starting 15 March 2026, marking a notable shift in Apple’s pricing structure for one of its most strategically important markets.