- Apple is lowering the standard commission rate for digital purchases in its China App Store to 25% from 30%, effective March 15.
- The move follows communications with Chinese regulators and aims to maintain competitive fee levels for software developers.
Apple is reducing the digital transaction fees it charges software developers in its China App Store.
The tech giant announced the change on Friday, a decision made following communications with Chinese regulatory authorities.
The new commission structure, applicable to the iOS and iPadOS App Store in the Chinese mainland, will officially take effect on March 15, 2026.
The standard commission rate for Apple in-app purchases and paid apps will drop to 25% from the current 30%.
For eligible developers in the Small Business Program, the cut will be reduced to 12% from the current 15%.
This lower 12% rate will also apply to relevant digital transactions under Apple's Mini Apps Partner Program.
Additionally, this 12% rate will cover auto-renewing subscriptions after the first year.
Developers will not need to sign any new commercial term agreements before March 15 to directly benefit from these adjusted rates.
Apple said in a statement that it is committed to making iOS and iPadOS the best app ecosystem and a massive commercial opportunity for Chinese developers.
The company pledged to maintain fair and transparent commercial terms for all software creators.
It also guaranteed that distributing apps in China will incur competitive rates no higher than the overall fee levels in other global markets.
