Apple to Reduce Affiliate Program Commission Rate to 2.5% for Apps Next Week [Updated] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple to Reduce Affiliate Program Commission Rate to 2.5% for Apps Next Week [Updated]

by

Apple today emailed its iTunes Affiliate Program members to inform them that its commission rate for all apps and in-app content will be reduced to 2.5 percent on May 1, down from 7 percent, globally.

itunes affiliates
Apple will continue to offer a 7 percent commission rate for all other iTunes content, including music, movies, TV shows, and books. Apple will also continue to offer a one-time 50 percent commission on Apple Music subscriptions.


Through the iTunes Affiliate Program, websites can link to and promote App Store apps and receive a percentage of the sale in return.

Update: Apple now says the reduced 2.5 percent commission rate only applies to iOS in-app purchases.

Tags: App Store, iTunes Affiliate Program
Related Forum: Mac Apps

Top Rated Comments

ck2875 Avatar
ck2875
120 months ago
The affiliate program and third-party store parsers would be a lot less necessary if app discovery on the App Store wasn't so horrendous. I basically have to rely on AppShopper & Product Hunt to find price drops & new apps.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Asarien Avatar
Asarien
120 months ago
Apple must really be strapped for cash.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
spyguy10709 Avatar
spyguy10709
120 months ago
RIP appshopper
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeyondtheTech Avatar
BeyondtheTech
120 months ago
Haha, funny joke.

I think these ads just aren't effective, that's why they reduced the rate.
Shouldn't it be the opposite? If the advertising isn't effective, raise them so that advertisers would be more enticed to do it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
E
ethanwa79
120 months ago
I make $250/month from promoting my own apps (via various methods) using affiliate links. With the cut down to 2.5%, I'll now be making $85/month. So essentially a $2000 loss per year (basically a mortgage payment for me).

I'm a small developer with one partner. We've been on the App Store for years. Will we survive? Yes. But this hurts small shops like me... every dollar counts.

Considering how many billions of dollars you have in your bank accounts, this is lame Apple.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I
ignatius345
120 months ago
Does this mean MacRumors articles can just link to the App Store instead of that AppShopper site?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iOS App Store General Feature JoeBlue

Apple Adds Personalized Recommendations and New Marketing Tools to the App Store

Monday June 15, 2026 5:18 am PDT by
Apple last week announced a series of new App Store features, including personalized app recommendations and expanded tools for developers to market their apps. The most visible change for users is Personalized Collections, a new discovery feature that surfaces app and game recommendations tailored to individual interests and behavior. Alongside each recommendation, new "App Notes" explain...
Read Full Article • 7 comments
iOS App Store General Feature JoeBlue

Apple 'Records Every Tap' in App Store to Filter New Personalized Recommendations Feature

Wednesday June 17, 2026 6:27 am PDT by
Last week, Apple introduced a new discovery feature for the App Store called Personalized Collections, or app recommendations based on individual interests and behavior. Apple pitched the announcement as another way for developers to have their app discovered, but there has already been some pushback from a privacy perspective. App Store user analytics collected by Apple (Image: Mysk) The new ...
Read Full Article • 119 comments
iOS App Store Icons

Apple Announces Major App Store Changes on iOS in Brazil

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:50 am PDT by
Apple today announced that developers in Brazil will be allowed to distribute iPhone apps through alternative app marketplaces on iOS, and accept payments through third-party platforms. In other words, developers in Brazil will be able to circumvent the App Store and Apple's in-app purchase system, but there are still fees. Alternative app marketplaces will have to be authorized by Apple and ...
Read Full Article • 95 comments