Apple to lower App Store commission for mini-app developers

Apple has announced a new initiative for developers of mini-apps, the App Store Mini Apps Partner Program, which will reduce the commission on in-app purchases from the standard 30% to 15%.

The company describes mini-apps as standalone experiences that run inside other apps and are built with HTML5 and JavaScript. The format is especially popular in China, where WeChat hosts embedded services for ride-hailing, food delivery, payments, and other everyday tasks.

In November, Apple and Tencent reached an agreement under which Apple will take a 15% cut from purchases made inside WeChat’s mini-apps. Beyond WeChat, the format is also supported by Telegram and Discord, while Snapchat and TikTok are testing similar integrations.

The reduced fee comes against the backdrop of antitrust scrutiny: part of the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit accuses Apple of limiting “super apps” — platforms that bundle multiple mini-services. The new program is expected to ease criticism and encourage wider adoption of embedded services within the App Store.

Apple says the initiative will help developers scale their businesses and expand the reach of mini-apps across its ecosystem.