Apple Slashes App Store Fees for Developers
▼ Summary
– Apple launched the Mini Apps Partner Program offering a 15% commission rate on in-app purchases for mini apps, which are self-contained experiences built with web technologies.
– Mini apps must be distributed within a native iOS/iPadOS app on the App Store and follow existing guidelines, including specific rules for data processing and content filtering.
– To qualify, apps must support Apple technologies like the Advanced Commerce API and Declared Age Rating API, use Apple’s in-app purchase system, and comply with refund reporting requirements.
– The program incentivizes developers to use Apple’s trust and safety tools while ensuring Apple continues collecting commissions as the mini app market evolves.
– Developers can apply by submitting their host app details and agreeing to program terms, with the reduced commission applying to digital goods and services purchased within mini apps.
Apple has introduced a new Mini Apps Partner Program, offering developers a significantly reduced commission rate of 15% on in-app purchases made within mini applications. This initiative marks a notable shift for the tech giant, providing financial relief to creators of these lightweight, web-based experiences that operate inside larger native apps.
Mini apps are defined by Apple as self-contained software experiences built with web technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript. While this technology has been permitted on the App Store for almost ten years, this is the first time Apple has extended a discounted commission structure specifically for transactions occurring within these mini apps. The move builds upon guidelines established back in 2017, which formally allowed developers to distribute mini apps, games, chatbots, and plug-ins that function independently from their host application’s core code.
To be eligible for the new program, a developer’s primary host app must be available on iOS or iPadOS through the App Store. Participants are required to adhere to the standard Apple Developer Program License Agreement and all existing App Review Guidelines. The program introduces additional mandates, including support for specific Apple technologies such as the Advanced Commerce API and the Declared Age Rating API, which helps ensure age-appropriate content. Crucially, all qualifying mini apps must utilize Apple’s in-app purchase system and provide purchase information to Apple when users request refunds.
Apple frames this program as a strategic effort to help developers who host mini apps and games expand their businesses on its platform. By offering the incentive of a lower commission, Apple also encourages wider adoption of its proprietary technologies and trust and safety tools. The resulting savings could empower developers to reinvest more resources into enhancing their own mini app ecosystems.
This policy also secures Apple’s ability to collect a commission from the growing mini app economy, a sector that is rapidly evolving. Numerous popular native iOS apps already feature mini apps; messaging platforms like LINE and WeChat are prominent examples, as is Discord with its mini games. More recently, AI providers have entered this space. ChatGPT, for instance, now hosts integrated apps from companies like Booking.com, Expedia, and Spotify, enabling users to complete tasks without leaving the chatbot interface. Some industry observers suggest that if such platforms capture a significant share of user engagement and transactions, they could potentially challenge the dominance of the traditional App Store model.
Reports indicate that Apple previously agreed to a similar 15% commission rate for mini apps within Tencent’s WeChat, but the new program formalizes and extends this opportunity to a broader developer community.
Developers interested in joining the Mini Apps Partner Program must submit a request detailing their host app, confirming their eligibility, and describing their mini app offerings. They are also required to agree to the program’s specific terms and conditions. Once their application is prepared, it must undergo Apple’s standard app review process, which includes providing a manifest for Apple to examine the software, its metadata, and the links directing users to the mini apps.
According to Apple, the reduced 15% commission applies to in-app purchases for digital goods and services within mini apps. This covers a wide range of offerings, including consumable items, non-consumable products, auto-renewable subscriptions, and non-renewing subscriptions.
(Source: TechCrunch)
