As part of its ongoing dispute with Epic Games, Apple has submitted a new fee structure detailing the commissions it wishes to apply to purchases made by users via links external to its iOS payment system. This proposal comes while legal proceedings regarding these fees continue in American courts.
Proposed Commission Structure for External Purchases
Under the proposal, Apple outlines a commission system reaching up to 15% for transactions conducted on third-party platforms after being redirected from an application. The maximum rate would apply to standard applications, though other specific categories would benefit from reduced rates.
Apple specifically proposes the following tiered structure:
- 5% for applications belonging to the Small Business Program.
- 10% for apps participating in the Video Partner, News Partner, and Mini Apps programs, as well as for subscription renewals.
Apple justifies this comprehensive proposal by citing the need to maintain financial compensation for the technologies, tools, and services that support its ecosystem. Furthermore, these proposed rates are approaching mechanisms already applied by Google Play for external payments.
Parallel Market Developments
The dispute does not involve Apple alone. In parallel, Google is also facing legal action in its own dispute with Epic Games. Historically, Google was notably required to facilitate access to competing app stores on Android and reduce barriers to their installation.
Epic Games and other involved parties can now respond directly to Apple’s proposal before it proceeds with review by American courts.
