Apple asks for up to 15% on US link-outs, and moves the EU to one set of terms

Apple's position is that "a zero commission would not reflect the value that it provides developers." Epic will respond before the court decides.

Separately, on 18 August Apple announced unified business terms for apps in the EU, effective 1 October. The per-install Core Technology Fee is replaced by a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital sales in apps distributed outside the App Store. Inside the store, standard rates are 26% with Apple's in-app purchase, 20% with alternative payments and 15% with web linking, falling to 15%, 10% and 10% for small businesses and for subscriptions after their first year.

What it could cost you

Put some numbers on it. Say a small US subscription app takes $10,000 a month through a web checkout linked from the app. Today Apple takes nothing on that. At the proposed 5% Small Business Program rate it would take $500 a month, or $6,000 a year. At the 15% standard rate it would be $1,500 a month. (FER calculations, before your payment processor's own fees.)

So for small developers the live question is whether link-outs cost 0% or 5%, not 0% or 30%. That's a margin question, not an existential one.

What to do now

1. Check you're enrolled in the Small Business Program if you qualify. On these proposals it's the difference between 5% and 15%.
2. Rebuild your margin model with a 5% line on web sales that start from a US link-out, so a court ruling doesn't knock your plan sideways.
3. Keep the web checkout. Even at 5% it's cheaper than paying in-app commission, and you keep the customer relationship and the email address.
4. If you sell in the EU, read the 1 October terms against how you actually distribute. The right rate depends on whether you're in the store, using alternative payments or linking out.
5. If you build apps for clients, send them a short note on what this could mean for their pricing. It's the kind of update that makes you look like a partner rather than a supplier.

Then wait for the court. Nothing changes for US link-outs until Judge Gonzalez Rogers rules, and the Supreme Court hearing could change the picture again.