Apple has aware a new plan for developers that offers mini-apps that can cut commissions in half. Under the App Store Mini Apps affiliate program, developers pay a reduced fee of 15% (up from the current 30%) for qualifying in-app purchases. Apple has much more detailed explanation and a frequently asked question about how the affiliate program works and which applets are eligible.
Applets are “stand-alone experiences”, often web-based games, that reside within a larger “host” application. Apple has allowed developers to offer these experiences for years, but last year only app developers could support their own in-app purchases.
To participate in the Mini Apps Partner Program, developers must meet a number of additional requirements. First, developers must support iOS and iPadOS features. You must also implement Apple’s Advanced Commerce API and the Declared Age Range API. The latter requirement would prevent underage users from bypassing parental controls by accessing a mini-app with a higher age rating than the main app.
Apple’s pricing structure is the subject of ongoing debate, and the company has faced pressure from regulators around the world to change its commission policies and demonstrate that it does not engage in monopolistic and anti-competitive practices. We’ve already seen changes at Apple this year, with the legal saga that ended with the demise of Epic Games and the change in some App Store policies to allow third-party payment options.
Update, November 13, 2025, 2:00 PM PST: Added more information about the Mini Apps affiliate program.