As a developer, you’ve probably complained about the 30% App Store fee. It feels like a mandatory slice of your revenue that goes straight to the platform holders, just for the privilege of your app existing
But here’s the thing nobody talks about enough: for the vast majority of developers, the 30% fee is a myth
For years now, both Apple and Google have had programs that cut that commission in half, to just 15%. Yet every day I talk to developers who have no idea these programs exist, or they think it’s some complicated process they don’t have time for. They’re leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table. Money that could be used to hire another engineer, run a marketing campaign, or just, you know, pay the bills
This isn’t some secret loophole. It’s a public program. And if you’re making less than $1 million a year from your apps, you qualify. Today, we’re going to fix this. No more excuses. Here’s your step-by-step guide to claiming the 15% you’ve earned:
The program you need to join right now
Both Apple and Google call it something different, but the core idea is the same: if your annual earnings are below $1 million, you get a reduced commission rate of 15%. It’s that simple
Apple: the App Store Small Business Program
Apple’s program is a lifesaver for indie devs and small studios. It drops the commission from 30% to 15% on everything: paid app downloads, in-app purchases, and subscriptions
The rules:
- You must have earned no more than $1 million in total proceeds (after Apple’s cut) in the previous calendar year
- All of your ‘Associated Developer Accounts’ count toward that $1 million threshold
- If you’re a new developer, you automatically qualify
How to enroll in Apple’s program (it takes 10 minutes):
- Go to the enrollment page: first, make sure you are the Account Holder for your Apple Developer account. Then, head straight to the enrollment page
- Review your accounts: Apple will ask you to confirm your developer accounts. If you have multiple, you’ll need to list them
- Accept the terms: you’ll need to review and accept the latest Paid Applications agreement in App Store Connect if you haven’t already. Then, accept the terms of the Small Business Program
That’s it. Once you’re approved, the 15% rate kicks in. You just gave yourself a massive raise
Google: the 15% Service Fee Tier
Google’s program is just as crucial. They charge 15% on the first $1 million of your earnings each year. If you cross that threshold, the rate goes to 30% for the rest of the year. For most of us, that means a permanent 15% rate
The rules:
- The 15% rate applies to the first $1 million in revenue you earn each calendar year
- Like Apple, you need to declare your Associated Developer Accounts and create an ‘Account Group’
How to enroll in Google’s Program (also takes 10 minutes):
- Go to your Play Console: log in and navigate to the Associated developer accounts page
- Create an Account Group: follow the on-screen prompts to create a group. This is where you’ll link any other developer accounts you own
- Enroll: once the group is set up, a banner will appear prompting you to enroll for the 15% service fee. Click ‘Review and enroll’
- Accept the Terms: read and accept the Terms of Service
Done. You’re now enrolled. It’s a few clicks that will fundamentally change your app’s financial trajectory
The other secret: subscription commission discounts
Okay, so the Small Business Programs are the main event. But there’s another layer to this that a surprising number of developers miss, especially when it comes to subscriptions