Apple cuts App Store commission in Taiwan after debate over regulation

Apple announced today that it is reducing its standard App Store commission in Taiwan following negotiations with the Fair Trade Commission there. Here are the details.

The new rules will come into effect on October 31

Over the past year or so, Apple has faced increasing regulatory pressure on several of its App Store practices and rules around the world, particularly those related to app distribution, payment processing, commissions, and alternative options for developers.

In Japan and Brazil, the company introduced alternative app marketplaces, third-party payment options and revised commission structures in response to local competition rules and investigations.

In the European Union, Apple recently overhauled its App Store fees and terms of business to respond to concerns raised by the European Commission after much thought about compliance with the Digital Markets Act.

Just last week, an Australian federal judge ordered Apple to allow alternative app distribution and payment methods following its years-long legal battle with Epic Games. Apple plans to appeal.

And yesterday, South Korean regulators fined Apple about $15.5 million and ordered changes to its App Store policies regarding payment limits, app review practices and discriminatory commissions.

Now Taiwan joins the list, although the changes announced today are considerably narrower. Apple today they informed the developers that starting this Saturday, October 31st, its standard commissions on paid apps and in-app purchases will drop from 30% to 26% in Taiwan’s iOS and iPadOS App Store.

Apple said the change follows discussions with Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission, adding that “signing the updated terms by October 31 is not necessary to take advantage of these commission rate changes starting on that date.”

The company has also updated its Apple Developer Program license agreement to reflect the new terms, with translated versions expected to be available within the next month.

To read Apple’s full announcement, follow this link.