--- title: "Apple reveals external link commission terms: 15% for all and 5% for small businesses" description: "🍏 Apple reveals the commission rate for external links in iOS: 15% for everyone and 5% for small businesses. This is a response to the Epic Games lawsuit and part of the DOJ antitrust case. #Apple #EpicGames #TechNews" date: 2026-08-15T19:41:01.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/apple-reveals-external-link-commission-terms-15-for-all-and-5-for-small-businesses tags: [apple, epic-games, antitrust, app-store, ios, doj, technology] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Apple reveals external link commission terms: 15% for all and 5% for small businesses ![Tim Cook at an Apple event with the company logo in the background, announcing new external link commission terms: 15% for all and 5% for small businesses](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/15/apple-raskryla-razmer-komissii-za-vneshnie-sсылki-v-ios-15-i-5/apple-raskryla-razmer-komissii-za-vneshnie-sсылki-v-ios-15-i-5-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Apple proposed a 15% commission for external links in iOS - The rate for small businesses is reduced to 5% - The move was made as part of the Epic Games vs. Apple case - Comparison with Google Play commissions ### 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. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [Apple proposes to take a 15% cut of purchases made outside the App Store](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/apple-proposes-to-take-a-15-cut-of-purchases-made-outside-the-app-store/ar-AA2a6XDx) - Основной источник информации о комиссиях - [US files antitrust lawsuit against Apple over iPhone 'monopoly'](https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20240321-us-dept-of-justice-files-antitrust-lawsuit-against-apple-over-iphone-monopoly) - Подтверждено по источнику france24.com - [Apple wins discovery fight over federal agency documents in DOJ antitrust case](https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/15/apple-wins-discovery-fight-over-federal-agency-documents-in-doj-antitrust-case/) - Контекст антимонопольного дела в 2026 году - [Apple's long-running DOJ antitrust case may not make it to trial](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/07/17/apples-long-running-doj-antitrust-case-may-not-make-it-to-trial) - Подтверждено по источнику appleinsider.com ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: What is Apple's commission for external links? **A:** 15% for standard apps and 5% for small businesses. ### Q: Why is Apple introducing these commissions? **A:** To offset investments in App Store tools and technologies. ### Q: How is this related to Epic Games? **A:** This is a response to Epic Games' lawsuit regarding App Store commissions.