Apple Reduces App Store Fees for Mini Apps in Strategic Pivot
Apple has slashed its App Store commission from 30% to 15% for developers participating in its new Mini Apps Partner Program. The MOVE targets lightweight applications built with web technologies like HTML that operate within third-party platforms—a model pioneered by China's WeChat.
The fee reduction comes as Apple faces mounting regulatory pressure in Europe and the U.S. over App Store dominance. By incentivizing developers to use Apple's proprietary payment systems and age verification tools, the tech giant aims to maintain influence over iOS monetization channels.
This strategic shift mirrors broader tech industry trends toward embedded micro-applications. AI firms like OpenAI increasingly incorporate similar lightweight apps into chatbot interfaces, suggesting potential convergence between traditional app stores and decentralized web platforms.