Apple Proposes New Commission Rates for Off-App Store Purchases

Apple Inc. submitted a proposed commission structure to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California for purchases made outside the App Store system. The proposal follows a Supreme Court of the United States decision to deny Apple's request to pause lower-court proceedings regarding its fee practices.

Under the proposed plan, Apple would charge a 15% commission for standard apps and 5% for apps in its Small Business Program. Subscription renewals and specific partner programs, including News, Video, and Mini Apps, would be subject to a 10% commission. Apple stated these rates are comparable to those used by the Samsung Galaxy Store, Google Play, and Amazon's Android App Marketplace.

Apple argues the structure allows it to recover compensation for its intellectual property while creating competitive pressure on its internal in-app purchase system. The company maintains that proceedings should have been paused while the Supreme Court reviewed whether Apple can be held in contempt for previously charging a 27% commission on off-App Store purchases. The litigation stems from a legal battle with Epic Games and an injunction by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers requiring Apple to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods.