New Apple commission structure: 15% and 5%

According to new court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Apple has finally announced the commission rate it plans to charge for purchases made via external links within apps on iOS devices. This move marks a key stage in the long-running litigation surrounding the tech giant's anti-competitive policies. Sources report that Apple has proposed a 15% commission for standard apps. Meanwhile, developers participating in the company's special programs are eligible for additional discounts. Under the new structure, small business developers will pay only a 5% commission on payments.

Response to Epic Games lawsuit and comparison with Google Play

The iPhone manufacturer has been in a legal battle with Epic Games over App Store commissions for many years. Apple has repeatedly attempted to delay the court's requirement to provide a response regarding the structure of this commission. Specifically, the company requested to suspend proceedings in lower courts until the Supreme Court ruled on another issue in the Epic Games case. Commenting on its position, Apple emphasized that charging fees for in-app purchases allows it to offset investments in the tools, technologies, and services necessary for the App Store and software to function. The company compared its fees for external links to Google Play's policy.

Contradictory data

According to sources, Google Play also charges a 20% commission for standard apps, 15% for apps in special programs, and 10% for subscription renewals. Apple noted that Epic Games had previously agreed to these rates. However, critics argue that the comparison with Google Play is incorrect, as Android is an open platform, unlike the closed iOS ecosystem. The approval of this proposal could significantly impact financial relationships in the mobile app market in the future.

Context of 2026 antitrust proceedings

In the context of the current date — August 15, 2026 — this news sounds particularly loud. In July 2026, Apple won a significant battle in a discovery fight against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding federal documents in the antitrust case. This ruling, reported by 9to5mac, allowed the company to limit regulators' access to sensitive data. Experts note that the DOJ case may not reach trial, making the commission proposal an even more significant step in the attempt to resolve the situation without a full trial.