Apple Proposes 15% Cut From Purchases Made Outside the App Store

Apple has proposed a new fee structure that would see the company collect commissions of up to 15 percent when users make purchases through external links rather than its App Store payment system.

The proposal was outlined in a new court filing as part of Apple’s long-running legal battle with Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite. Under the proposed structure, Apple would collect a 15 percent commission on external purchases from standard apps. Developers participating in Apple’s Video Partner Program, News Partner Program and Mini Apps Partner Program would face a 10 percent fee, which would also apply to subscription renewals.

Apple’s filing is in, and Apple admitted that under the Ninth Circuit’s definition of “necessary costs” they would charge 0% for purchases made via linkouts to the web.

Apple proposed linkout fees of 15% for standard apps and 5% for Small Business Program apps. Epic believes…

— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) August 13, 2026

Developers enrolled in Apple’s Small Business Program would pay the lowest commission at five percent.

The proposal follows a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that determined Apple should be permitted to collect a commission tied to the “necessary costs” associated with facilitating external purchases.

Interestingly, Apple acknowledges in its filing that those necessary costs would be “essentially zero.” However, the company argues its proposed commission structure would compensate for the broader tools, technologies, and services it makes available to developers.

Apple also cites expert analysis claiming the proposed rates would still allow many U.S. developers responsible for much of the App Store’s revenue to profitably direct customers toward external payment options.

Unsurprisingly, Epic Games isn’t convinced. Epic responded to Apple’s filing by pointing to the company’s acknowledgement that necessary costs for web purchases amount to effectively zero. The Fortnite maker argues Apple’s proposed five to 15 percent commissions fall “far outside of the bounds” established by the Ninth Circuit. Epic says it has roughly 60 days to formally oppose Apple’s proposal with testimony from expert witnesses.

Apple is currently prohibited from collecting commissions on purchases made through external links following an April 2025 ruling from U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. Rogers found Apple had “willfully” failed to comply with her original 2021 injunction requiring the company to loosen restrictions surrounding alternative payment options.

The legal fight isn’t ending there, either. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments surrounding whether Apple willfully violated the 2021 injunction. For developers, the outcome could determine whether linking customers to the web actually provides a meaningful alternative to Apple’s in-app payment system—or simply replaces one App Store commission with another.