Apple Proposes 15% Commission on App Store External Link Purchases
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Apple filed a proposal to charge a 15% commission on purchases made through out-links inside App Store apps — meaning developers would still owe Apple a significant cut even when bypassing its payment system.
What exactly did Apple propose?
Apple submitted a plan to a California federal court to collect a 15% commission on purchases completed via out-links placed inside App Store apps.
In plain terms = developers can add a link sending users to their own website to pay — but Apple still takes 15%.
The filing is the latest move in Apple's six-year legal battle with Epic Games over App Store fees.
Why is Apple doing this now?
A court previously ruled that Apple must let developers place in-app links directing users to third-party payment sites, breaking Apple's monopoly over in-app payments.
This means → Apple was forced to open a door, but is now trying to install a toll gate on that door.
The 15% rate is lower than the App Store's standard 30% cut, yet it remains a substantial cost for developers.
What does this mean for developers and the market?
Whether the court approves the plan will directly determine the real cost of bypassing Apple's payment system.
This means → if the court accepts the 15% rate, the savings for developers are far smaller than "free out-links" sounds.
This reflects Apple's core strategy: even when forced to open a payment gateway, it aims to protect its revenue floor through a new fee structure.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.