The App Store Small Business Program is an Apple program that charges a 15% commission on paid apps and in-app purchases instead of 30%. New developers can join, as can anyone whose proceeds for the previous calendar year, together with associated accounts, were no more than 1 million USD, and the program has run since January 1, 2021.
What the program gives you
The Small Business Program lowers Apple's commission from 30% to 15% on all of a member's sales, both paid apps and in-app purchases. Apple announced it on November 18, 2020, it took effect on January 1, 2021, and enrollment opened on December 3, 2020 (Apple news).
Subscriptions benefit straight away. Normally a developer gets 85% of the price only after a year of paid service, while for members App Store Connect Help promises 85% from day one. The base rates are explained on the App Store commission page.
Who can join
| Condition | Apple's rule |
|---|---|
| Proceeds in the previous calendar year | no more than 1 million USD across all apps |
| Proceeds in the current year | also no more than 1 million USD |
| What counts as proceeds | sales minus Apple's commission and certain taxes and adjustments, in US dollars |
| New developers | can qualify |
| Associated accounts | their proceeds are added to yours |
| Who applies | the Account Holder, after accepting the latest Paid Apps Agreement |
| When the rate changes | 15 days after the end of the fiscal month in which enrollment is approved |
Per the Small Business Program page, checked October 16, 2026.
An Associated Developer Account is an Apple Developer Program account you own more than 50% of or have the final say over. It also works the other way, an account that owns or controls yours in the same way. For each one Apple asks for the name, Team ID, Account Holder email and a description of the relationship.
How to enroll, step by step
- Add up last year's proceeds. If your bank receives payouts in another currency, convert them to US dollars at the rate for the end of each Apple fiscal month and apply the taxes and adjustments from Payments and Financial Reports.
- Accept the latest Paid Apps Agreement in App Store Connect › Business. Only the Account Holder can do this.
- Open the program page on developer.apple.com and press Enroll now while signed in as the Account Holder.
- Say how many associated accounts you have and fill in the details for each.
- Wait for Apple's decision. In the example on the program page an enrollment approved on February 10, 2022 had its proceeds adjusted from March 14, 2022.
If your proceeds go up or down
If your proceeds pass 1 million USD in the current calendar year, future sales go back to the standard rate. Apple's 2020 announcement added that this lasts for the rest of that year. If proceeds later fall below the threshold in some year, you can regain the 15% rate the year after.
When an app is transferred to another account, its proceeds for the calendar year count toward every account in the transfer, both the one that sent it and the one that took it. Buying someone else's app can push you over the threshold this way.
Appto shows downloads, revenue, purchases and countries from Apple's reports (analytics in Appto).
Member rates and what is new in 2026
The reduced rate depends on the storefront. In China mainland it has been 12% since March 15, 2026 (Apple news). In Japan and Brazil it is 10% plus a 5% fee for payment processing through Apple. In the EU, under the terms in force since October 1, 2026, it is 15% on App Store purchases and 10% on your own in-app payments (EU terms).
There is a newer perk too. As of October 16, 2026, members whose apps each have fewer than 2 million first-time downloads can use Apple Foundation Models on Private Cloud Compute servers without paying for the cloud. A separate entitlement is required. If an app passes 2 million downloads or you leave the program, Apple gives you 6 months to move to another solution (Private Cloud Compute page).
Common mistakes
- Expecting the rate to switch on by itself. Even a new developer needs an application from the Account Holder. Until it is approved, Apple charges the usual 30%.
- Leaving out associated accounts. Apple asks for all of them when you apply, and the threshold is measured on their combined proceeds.
- Measuring the threshold by gross sales. The 1 million USD is counted in proceeds, after the commission and some taxes. Gross sales can be noticeably higher.
- Buying an app late in the year. Its proceeds for the whole calendar year count toward yours as well.
Questions
How do I join the App Store Small Business Program?
The Account Holder accepts the latest Paid Apps Agreement in App Store Connect, then presses Enroll now on the program page and lists any associated accounts. The 15% rate starts 15 days after the end of the fiscal month in which the enrollment is approved.
What is the income limit for the Small Business Program?
1 million USD in proceeds, meaning revenue after Apple's commission and certain taxes and adjustments, in the previous calendar year and the same in the current one. Associated accounts count together with yours.
What happens if I earn more than 1 million USD?
Future sales go back to the standard 30% rate. If your proceeds drop below the threshold again in some year, you can return to 15% the following year.
Can a brand new developer join?
Yes, Apple names developers new to the App Store among those who qualify. You still have to apply, the rate does not change on its own.
Does the 15% rate apply in the EU, Japan and China?
Those storefronts have their own reduced rates. The EU charges 15% on App Store purchases since October 1, 2026, Japan and Brazil 10% plus a 5% processing fee, and China 12% since March 15, 2026.
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