Japan: App Marketplaces, External Payments, New Fee Structure
Apple today announced changes impacting iOS apps in Japan to comply with the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). These updates create new options for developers to distribute apps on alternative app marketplaces and to process app payments for digital goods and services outside of Apple In-App Purchase.
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The MSCA’s requirements for alternative app marketplaces and app payments open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, and privacy and security risks.
They just couldn’t help themselves.
For their iOS apps distributed on the App Store in Japan, developers will be able to include an alternative payment processing method in their app and/or link users to a website to complete a transaction.
These alternative payment options will always be presented alongside Apple In-App Purchase, so that users in Japan are clear on when they are transacting through Apple.
Apple has established a new fee structure in Japan, and fees are based on distribution and payment method. Apple says that fees will be the same or lower for 100% of developers in Japan.
Participants in the Small Business Program, Video Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program will pay the reduced rate below. Subscriptions in apps maintained after the first year are also subjected to the lower fee. The Small Business Program includes developers that earn less than 1 million USD annually. Developers that earn more than that have to pay Apple's full commission rates.
- App Store w/ In-App Purchase - Varies from 15% to 26%. 21% base fee, 5% payment processing fee. Base fee is 10% for program participants, and 5% fee remains the same.
- App Store w/ Alt Purchase - Varies from 10% to 21%. 21% base fee, no payment processing fee. 10% for program participants.
- App Store w/ Web Link - Varies from 10% to 15%. 15% Store Services Fee, 10% for program participants.
- Alternative Marketplace - 5% Core Technology Commission.
iPhone and iPad users in Japan can download the alternative app marketplace from the AltStore website, and then use the AltStore to download apps without having to go through Apple’s App Store. Prospective AltStore users need to be physically located in Japan, and have a Japanese App Store account. Devices also need to be running iOS/iPadOS 26.2 or later.
Previously:
- iOS 26.2: Third-Party Voice Assistants in Japan
- iOS 26.2: App Marketplaces and Browser Choice in Japan
- Japanese Mobile Software Competition Act
- EU App Store Tiers and Core Technology Commission
- Japan Passes Law to Allow App Marketplaces
- Proposed Japanese Law for Alternate App Stores
- Japanese Game Developers Complain About App Store
