Observed Signal · Aug 27, 2021 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Apple App Store to disclose alternative payment methods
A 2019 class-action lawsuit against Apple led to the removal of a confidentiality clause that blocked mentioning external payment options for App Store purchases. As a result, app developers may inform users that payments can be made outside the App Store, including via email or other communications. Apple currently takes a 30% commission on in-app purchases. The change is described as a small win for developers, who hope to boost earnings by directing users to alternative methods and reducing the share taken by Apple. The new rules are set to take effect in the United States at an undetermined date, with unclear implications for other regions. The report notes potential revenue gains for developers but leaves the long-term impact on App Store monetization uncertain.
Policy update by major platform (Apple) affecting App Store monetization.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- A 2019 class-action lawsuit against Apple led to dropping the confidentiality clause about external payment methods.
- Developers may inform users about alternative payment methods via email or other communications.
- Apple charges a 30% commission on App Store purchases.
- Rule changes will first take effect in the United States; applicability to other regions is unclear.
- The change is described as a small win for app developers seeking higher app revenues.
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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.
Apple proposes 15% commission on external app purchases
Apple filed a proposal in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking to charge commissions on purchases completed via external links or payment systems outside the App Store, with a tiered structure: 15% for standard apps, 10% for Video Partner, News Partner and Mini Apps Partner participants and for subscription renewals, and 5% for Small Business Program developers. The filing asks Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to refer Apple and Epic Games to a confidential settlement conference before Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero; Apple said it approached Epic on August 11 but Epic did not consent. Epic rejects the proposed fees as inconsistent with Ninth Circuit guidance. The disclosure follows the Supreme Court’s refusal to pause lower-court proceedings tied to Apple’s litigation with Epic and alleged contempt over a 27% off‑App Store charge; Apple defended the fees as recouping App Store investments and compared them to Google Play rates.
Google loosens Play Store billing rules
Google announced changes to Play Store billing rules effective June 30, 2026, allowing developers in the US, EEA and UK to redirect users to external payment methods or their own websites. Google will charge a 10% service fee on the first $1 million of annual developer revenue regardless of payment method; using Google’s billing adds an extra 5% billing fee that is waived for alternative payment flows. Apps with annual revenue above $1 million will face 20% fees for new in‑app purchases on new installs, while subscription fees remain 10%. Google also announced two reduced‑fee programs — “Games Level Up” and “Apps Experience” — starting September 30, 2026, with a full global rollout of alternative billing planned after September 30, 2027. The changes stem from the Epic Games antitrust case and a 2025 settlement between Google and Epic.
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