Apple has just announced a reduction in its commission rates for developers operating within mainland China. This move, effective starting March 15, 2026, comes after extensive discussions with Chinese regulators.
According to the update shared on Apple’s developer portal, the standard commission for paid apps and in-app purchases on the China mainland storefront for iOS and iPadOS will be lowered from 30% to 25%.
The benefits extend even further for smaller entities. Developers enrolled in the App Store Small Business Program, as well as those participating in the Mini Apps Partner Program, will see their commission rates drop from 15% to 12%. This lower tier also applies to auto-renewable subscriptions after the first year of a user’s subscription.
Apple noted that developers do not need to sign new terms to receive the benefit of these changes, which will be applied automatically starting this Sunday.
Beyond the developers, the price cut is expected to reach the end consumer. With lower platform fees, the premium often associated with digital goods on iOS may gradually decrease. Some estimates suggest Chinese consumers could save nearly 1 billion yuan per year as the price gap between Android and iOS digital services narrows.
This policy change follows similar regulatory challenges Apple has faced in other regions. In the European Union, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has already forced Apple to lower fees and allow alternative payment systems. In Japan, Apple recently adjusted commissions to 21% for certain third-party payments due to legislative pressure.
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