Apple cuts App Store commission rates in China to 25%

Apple has lowered the commission rates that apply to the China mainland storefront of the App Store on iOS and iPadOS after what it described as discussions with the Chinese regulator. In an official Apple Developer notice, the company said the standard commission rate for paid apps and Apple in-app purchases in mainland China is falling to 25% from 30%.

Apple also said eligible commission rates under the App Store Small Business Program and the Mini Apps Partner Program, along with the rate for auto-renewable subscriptions after the first year, are dropping to 12% from 15%. According to the same notice, those changes took effect on March 15, 2026.

Apple says developers do not need to sign new terms before the lower rates apply

In its developer update, Apple said developers do not need to sign new terms before March 15 to receive the adjusted commission rates. The company also said the Apple Developer Program License Agreement has been revised to support the updated policy and that developers can sign in to accept the new terms.

Apple framed the move as part of its effort to keep the iOS and iPadOS ecosystem in China attractive to developers. The company said it remains committed to offering “fair and transparent terms” and to providing App Store rates in China that are “no higher than the overall rate levels in other markets.”

Apple says the lower rates took effect on March 15

Apple’s notice says the adjusted commission rates took effect on March 15, 2026, for the China mainland storefront on iOS and iPadOS. The company says the standard rate for paid apps and in-app purchases is now 25%, while eligible rates under the App Store Small Business Program, the Mini Apps Partner Program, and auto-renewable subscriptions after the first year are now 12%. Apple says the change followed discussions with the Chinese regulator.