Apple will lower its App Store developer fees in China on Sunday, March 15, lowering commission rates for standard in-app purchases (IAPs) to 25%, down from 30%.
Apple announced the change in an update on its Developer blog:
Adjustments to the China storefront of the App Store on iOS and iPadOS
March 12, 2026
Apple is making changes to the App Store in China following discussions with the Chinese regulator.
As of March 15, 2026, changes will be made to the commission rates that apply to the China mainland storefront of the App Store on iOS and iPadOS.
The commission rate for standard Apple In-App Purchase and paid app transactions will be 25%. Currently, the rate is 30%. The commission rate for qualifying Apple In-App Purchase transactions under the App Store Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program, and for auto-renewals of Apple In-App Purchase subscriptions after the first year, will be 12%. Currently, the rate is 15%.
Signing the updated terms by March 15 is not required to receive the benefit of these commission rate changes starting that date.
We strive for iOS and iPadOS to be the best app ecosystem and a great business opportunity for developers in China. We are committed to terms that remain fair and transparent to all developers, and to always offering competitive App Store rates to developers distributing apps in China that are no higher than overall rates in other markets.
Apple also announced the commission rate for qualifying IAPs under the App Store Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program (and auto-renewals of IAP subscriptions after the first year) will be lowered to 12%, down from the current 15% tariff.
Apple said the changes are a result of “discussions with the Chinese regulator,” indicating the move is being made in order to avoid regulatory intervention.
In February 2025, it was reported that Apple could be facing a possible Chinese antitrust investigation into its App Store commissions. It was believed to the government’s threats were a way to gain leverage in the country’s trade war with the US.
In its update today, Apple said that signing the updated terms by March 15 is not required “to receive the benefit of these commission rate changes starting that date.”