Apple lowers App Store commission in China starting March 15

Apple has announced a reduction in App Store commission rates for developers operating in mainland China, lowering the standard fee on in-app purchases and paid apps to 25% from 30%. The changes will take effect on March 15, according to the company’s developer update.

The adjustment also applies to developers participating in the App Store’s smaller developer initiatives. Under the Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program, the commission on qualifying in-app purchases will drop to 12% from 15%, including subscription renewals after the first year.

Apple said the changes follow discussions with Chinese regulators, as scrutiny of app marketplace fees continues to grow in several global markets.

The reduction could lower operating costs for developers distributing apps in China. Estimates from local industry reports suggest the change could save developers more than 6 billion yuan (around $873 million) annually.

The adjustment may particularly affect companies that operate large digital ecosystems built around smaller third-party apps. Platforms such as Tencent and ByteDance host extensive networks of mini apps created by independent developers within their broader platforms.

Mini apps — lightweight apps embedded inside larger apps such as WeChat — have become a significant part of China’s mobile internet economy. Lower App Store commissions could influence pricing structures for digital services such as subscriptions, gaming purchases, and live-streaming tips.

Apple’s commission structure — often referred to by critics as the “Apple tax” — has faced increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide.

In the European Union, new rules introduced under the Digital Markets Act have forced changes to how app marketplaces operate, including lower commission ranges and new distribution options for developers. In the United States, Apple has also been required to allow alternative payment options for certain in-app transactions.

China’s regulators have similarly examined Apple’s App Store policies. Reports last year indicated that the country’s antitrust watchdog was considering an investigation into Apple’s app distribution practices and fee structure.

The newly announced commission reductions apply to both domestic and international developers whose apps are available in the China App Store. Companies generating significant revenue from the Chinese market — including global app publishers — may see lower platform costs as a result.

China is Apple’s second-largest market, making regulatory alignment with local authorities particularly important for the company’s digital services business.

The country’s regulatory environment has previously required Apple to remove certain categories of apps from its App Store, including virtual private network services, following requests from internet regulators.

Industry analysts note that further regulatory discussions could affect other aspects of Apple’s operations in China, including how App Store revenues are processed and how foreign applications are distributed within the country’s tightly controlled internet ecosystem.

The commission changes scheduled for March 15 represent one of the most significant adjustments to Apple’s App Store fee structure in China in recent years.