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Apple admits it may not make any commission from alternative app stores
Apple has acknowledged in its regulatory filings that it may not earn any commission from purchases through alternative app stores. This statement comes after years of legal battles and regulatory pressure aimed at reducing Apple's monopoly. In attempts to appease regulators, Apple submitted proposals for lower commission rates but faces an uncertain future as courts may restrict its ability to charge fees altogether. The implications of these changes could significantly impact Apple's service revenue, marking a potential shift in its financial landscape.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizonRegulatory risk: High
Published 18 Aug 2026, 12:30 UTC2 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Apple admits it may not earn commissions from third-party app sales.
- Ongoing antitrust challenges reduce Apple's monopoly on app sales.
- Court rulings have prompted Apple to propose lower commission rates.
- Potential revenue loss could affect Apple's overall valuation.
- Regulatory filings indicate serious risk to Apple's service revenue model.
Interesting facts
- The EU was the first to mandate that Apple allow third-party app stores.
- Apple's proposed commissions are lower than the current rate but still depend on regulatory approval.
- The US courts have already mandated the ability for developers to offer alternative payment systems.