Apple has launched a brand new plan for builders who provide mini-apps that might see the fee charge lower in half. Below the App Retailer Mini Apps Accomplice Program, devs would pay a decreased charge of 15 %, in comparison with the present 30 %, on qualifying in-app purchases. Apple has a bunch of extra detailed explanations and an FAQ about how the companion program will work and what mini apps are eligible.
Mini apps are "self-contained experiences" — usually web-based video games — that dwell inside a bigger "host" app. Apple has allowed builders to supply these experiences for years, however solely allowed mini app builders to assist in-app purchases of their very own final yr.
In an effort to take part within the Mini Apps Accomplice Program, builders might want to meet a number of further necessities. To start out, builders might want to assist each iOS and iPadsOS performance. They're additionally required to implement Apple's Superior Commerce API, in addition to the Declared Age Vary API. The latter requirement would forestall underage customers from circumventing parental controls by accessing a mini app with a better age score than the host app.
Apple's payment construction has been an ongoing topic of debate, and the corporate has confronted international stress from regulators to vary its fee insurance policies to show it isn't engaged in monopolistic, anti-competitive practices. We've already seen some adjustments at Apple this yr, as its authorized saga with Epic Video games wound in the direction of a conclusion and among the App Retailer tips have been modified to permit for exterior cost choices.
Replace, November 13, 2025, 2PM PT: Added further particulars in regards to the Mini Apps Accomplice Program.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-halves-app-store-fees-for-mini-apps-190251153.html?src=rss