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Apple Wants 15% From Outside App Payments — It Could End Up With Zero
Apple has acknowledged the possibility of earning no commission from some app purchases as regulators and courts weaken its control over App Store payments. The company faces pressure from legislation, notably the EU's Digital Markets Act, which allows alternative payment options. Recently, a court found Apple in contempt after it failed to comply with directives to permit external payment links. Consequently, Apple has proposed a lower commission structure, but the final outcomes for fees remain uncertain, which could affect its profit margins and stock value.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizonRegulatory risk: High
Published 19 Aug 2026, 11:55 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Apple may earn zero commissions from alternative payment systems.
- Regulatory changes are forcing Apple to loosen its App Store payment controls.
- Recent court findings impacted Apple's ability to charge commissions.
- Apple's Services revenue fell short of Wall Street expectations.
- Significant declines in App Store commission revenue have been reported.
Interesting facts
- Apple's proposed commission rates vary significantly, with as low as 5% for certain programs.
- The US court order currently prevents Apple from charging commissions on specific purchases.
- Apple's Services revenue in the last quarter was $30.7 billion, below the expected $31.4 billion.