App Store Cuts Commission to 15% for Mini Apps to Expand Services

The App Store has announced a new Mini Apps Partner Program offering reduced In-App Purchase fees for developers of miniature applications that provide services within larger apps, with the commission cut from 30% to 15%. Mini Apps are described as self-contained experiences embedded within a larger host application, often web-based games, and Apple notes that these have been allowed for years but only recently gained formal support for in-app purchase systems.

To qualify for the 15% tier, developers must meet several technical requirements, including cross-device support on iOS and iPadOS, integration of Apple’s Advanced Commerce API, and adopting the Declared Age Range API to help prevent underage access. According to Apple, these changes come amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny and a broader shift in App Store guidelines this year, including allowances for external payment options. This move is viewed as a gesture of goodwill aimed at reassuring developers and regulators while preserving Apple’s control over its ecosystem.