Skip to main content

Apple lowers app affiliate commission rate from 7% to 2.5% globally

Apple today has sent out an email update to members of its affiliate program about launching improvements to the iTunes Affiliate Resource pages and also a change to the commission rates.

Apple is lowering affiliate payouts from apps and their in-app purchases to less than half of the original commission rate. For many, this means a negative impact to yet another revenue stream.

Today’s change sees the 7% commission rate, drop down to 2.5%. This reduction will impact a lot of those on the affiliate program. Previously, the 2.5% commission rate only applied to the Japan store for apps and in-app purchases. This change brings the rate down to 2.5% across the globe. The lower rate only applies to apps and in-app purchases; content like music, movies, and books are unaffected and will remain at the 7% rate.

Updates on Commissions

Starting on May 1st 2017, commissions for all app and in-app content will be reduced from 7% to 2.5% globally. All other content types (music, movies, books, and TV) will remain at the current 7% commission rate in all markets. We will also continue to pay affiliate commissions on Apple Music memberships so there are many ways to earn commissions with the program.

The other updates shared today further clarify commission rates for those on the program and more information on Affiliate Resources as a whole.


FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications