Apple proposes to take a 15% cut of purchases made outside the App Store

Apple has filed a petition with a U.S. federal court asking permission to levy a 15% commission on transactions that occur through external links inside iOS apps. The move, announced on August 14, 2026, would extend Apple’s revenue model beyond the traditional in‑app purchase (IAP) system that currently charges up to 30%. If approved, the change could reshape how developers monetize content, affect pricing for consumers, and reignite the legal battle over Apple’s control of the iOS ecosystem.

Key takeaways

  • Apple seeks court approval to apply a 15% fee to purchases made via external links in iOS apps.
  • The proposal targets transactions that currently bypass the App Store’s 30% commission structure.
  • Developers could face a new cost layer while consumers might see higher prices for off‑store goods.
  • The request arrives amid ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Apple’s platform policies worldwide.

Background

Apple’s App Store has long charged developers a commission ranging from 15% to 30% on digital goods sold through the platform. The fee structure was introduced in 2008 and has since become a focal point of regulatory investigations in the United States, the European Union, and several Asian markets. In 2021, the EU’s Digital Markets Act forced Apple to allow “alternative payment” links in certain circumstances, but the company retained the right to collect a commission on those links. The latest filing pushes the policy further by seeking a uniform 15% cut on all external‑link purchases, regardless of the product type.

What happened

In a brief filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Apple argued that a modest 15% fee is “reasonable and necessary” to cover the costs of maintaining the iOS platform, security reviews, and developer tools. The petition cites internal data indicating that external‑link purchases already generate significant traffic on popular apps such as ride‑sharing, food delivery, and streaming services. Apple’s legal team also referenced the TechCrunch report that outlines the company’s rationale and past attempts to negotiate similar terms with regulators.

Why it matters

  • Revenue impact: A 15% commission could add billions of dollars to Apple’s services segment, which already accounts for over $80 billion in annual revenue.
  • Developer costs: Smaller developers may struggle to absorb the fee, potentially leading to higher prices for end‑users or reduced investment in iOS features.
  • Regulatory precedent: Approval would set a legal benchmark for how platform owners can monetize off‑store sales, influencing future antitrust cases.
  • Consumer experience: Users could encounter more frequent prompts to “continue in the app,” blurring the line between native purchasing and external checkout flows.

Deeper analysis

The proposal sits at the intersection of technology policy and market dynamics. By standardising a 15% cut, Apple positions itself between the 0% fee model of some European competitors and the 30% rate that has drawn criticism for being punitive. Analysts suggest the fee mirrors the lower tier of Apple’s existing “small business” program, which already offers a 15% rate to developers earning under $1 million annually.

From a developer standpoint, the change could incentivise a shift toward Kog is going deeper to squeeze more inference out of GPUs‑style optimisation, where apps bake more functionality into the client to avoid external transactions altogether. Conversely, sectors such as e‑commerce may lobby for exemptions, arguing that a commission on physical‑goods purchases undermines the principle of a “neutral” app platform.

The petition also references Apple’s ongoing dialogue with the Chronicle News editorial board, highlighting the company’s attempt to frame the fee as a “service charge” rather than a tax. This narrative may influence public perception, especially as consumer‑rights groups continue to scrutinise the transparency of in‑app pricing.

What happens next

A judge will schedule a hearing within the next 60 days, during which Apple must demonstrate that the 15% fee does not violate antitrust law. Simultaneously, several developer coalitions have pledged to file amicus briefs, arguing that the fee would entrench Apple’s market power. If the court denies the request, Apple could appeal to the Ninth Circuit, potentially extending the dispute for years.

In parallel, legislators in California are considering a bill that would cap any platform‑imposed fee at 10%, directly challenging Apple’s proposal. Internationally, the European Commission is monitoring the case for any spill‑over effects on the Digital Markets Act’s implementation.

Regardless of the outcome, the filing signals Apple’s intent to capture a larger slice of the growing “off‑store” economy—a sector that, according to industry estimates, now represents roughly 40% of all iOS‑based transactions.

Frequently asked questions

How is the 15% fee different from the current 30% commission?

The new fee applies only to purchases made through external links, whereas the existing 30% rate covers transactions processed directly inside the App Store.

Will the fee apply to physical‑goods purchases as well as digital items?

Apple’s petition does not differentiate between product types, so the 15% cut could extend to both physical and digital goods bought via external links.

What recourse do developers have if they disagree with the fee?

Developers can join industry groups filing legal challenges, lobby state legislators, or redesign their apps to keep transactions entirely off‑platform.

Bottom line

Apple is seeking court approval to charge a 15% commission on all external‑link purchases made in iOS apps, a move that could reshape developer economics and consumer pricing. The request underscores the ongoing tension between platform control and antitrust regulation, as reported by TechCrunch.

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