Observed Signal · Jun 17, 2021 · Product Launch · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Amazon Appstore offers small devs 90% revenue
Amazon announced the Appstore Small Business Accelerator Program, set to take effect in Q4 2021. The initiative targets developers earning under $1 million in annual revenue, offering the prospect of retaining 90% of app revenue. Amazon will continue to take a 20% commission, but qualifying developers can receive AWS promotional credits equal to 10% of their revenue for 12 months, effectively boosting take-home earnings for those also using AWS as their cloud service. The program is described as more complex than the equivalent schemes at Apple and Google, and eligibility hinges on AWS usage. In addition, Amazon plans to curate a dedicated area within the Appstore to highlight smaller developers. Amazon notes that 94% of developers use a cloud service during app development, underscoring cloud adoption in app creation. More implementation details are promised later this year.
New accelerator program affecting app store economics and opportunities for small developers.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Program to launch in Q4 2021 for the Amazon Appstore Small Business Accelerator.
- Developers earning under $1M annually can keep 90% of app revenue.
- Amazon continues to take a 20% commission; AWS promotional credits worth 10% of revenue apply for 12 months.
- Credits require using AWS Cloud Service for eligible developers.
- A dedicated area for smaller developers will be created in the Amazon Appstore.
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Apple Launches Mini Apps Program with Lower Commission Rates
On November 13, 2025, Apple announced the Mini Apps Partner Program to expand App Store support for mini apps—self-contained experiences built with web technologies such as HTML5 and JavaScript. The program aims to help developers who host mini apps grow their business and increase mini app availability on the App Store while maintaining a quality customer experience. Participating developers may qualify for a reduced commission rate of 15% on sales of qualifying In-App Purchases. Eligibility for the reduced rate requires apps to support specified App Store technologies, including the Declared Age Range API and the Advanced Commerce API, to promote safe and seamless experiences for customers of all ages.
Apple Cuts App Store Fees for China to Boost Revenue
Apple announced on March 12, 2026 that it will change commission rates for the China mainland App Store on iOS and iPadOS effective March 15, 2026. The standard commission for Apple In‑App Purchase and paid app transactions will be reduced from 30% to 25%. Qualifying transactions under the App Store Small Business Program and the Mini Apps Partner Program, and auto‑renewals of IAP subscriptions after the first year, will see a rate reduction from 15% to 12%. Developers do not need to sign the updated terms by March 15 to receive the new rates starting that date. Apple also revised the Apple Developer Program License Agreement to reflect updated policies and will publish translations of the agreement within one month.
Apple revises EU App Store fees and rules
Apple will implement a single EU developer-terms model effective October 1, 2026, to comply with the Digital Markets Act, allowing developers to distribute iPhone apps via third‑party marketplaces or websites and to offer or point users to alternative payment options while retaining Apple IAP. The plan removes prior initial-acquisition and store-services fees and adds a 5% Core Technology Commission on transactions for apps distributed outside the App Store. Published tiered fees set Apple IAP at generally 26% (many eligible for 15%), external-payment processing at 20% (reducible to 10% for qualifying/small-business programs), and website link‑outs at 15%. Developers must commit to a chosen payment option for 12 months. Apple eased rules for alternative marketplaces and added parental-control measures; the European Commission will monitor implementation. Epic criticised the terms and Apple is appealing a €500 million DMA fine.
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