Apple App Store 15% vs 30% Cut — Small Business Program Explained

Apple charges 30% on most App Store transactions: paid app downloads, in-app purchases, and subscriptions. However, under the App Store Small Business Program, developers who earn less than $1 million per year from Apple pay only 15%. After your first year with more than $1M in proceeds, the rate reverts to 30% for the rest of that calendar year. To apply, enroll via App Store Connect — Apple reviews eligibility annually.

How do I apply for Google Play's reduced 15% rate?

Google automatically applies 15% to the first $1 million in annual earnings from Google Play for all developers. You don't need to apply — the lower rate is applied automatically. Once your annual earnings exceed $1M, the rate reverts to 30% for the remainder of the calendar year. This is Google's 'reduced service fee' program, introduced in 2021.

Does the 30% platform cut apply to subscriptions?

For Apple: subscriptions get 30% in the first year, dropping to 15% from year 2 onward (for the same subscriber). For Google Play: subscriptions are charged 15% (down from 30% since 2022). These subscription-specific rates are separate from the Small Business Program — they apply based on subscription tenure, not revenue threshold.

Is there any way to avoid the App Store fee on iOS apps?

For digital goods and services that work within the app, you must use Apple's In-App Purchase system — there is no legal alternative on iOS. For physical goods and services not consumed in the app (like ride-hailing or food delivery), third-party payment processors are allowed. Apple has faced antitrust scrutiny over this policy and rules vary by region.

Apple App Store / Google Play Fee Calculator

Calculate your Apple App Store or Google Play developer earnings. See how the 30% standard cut and 15% Small Business Program cut affect your app or subscription revenue.

Type

Mode

Revenue ($)

Enter a sale price to see the fee breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

Apple App Store / Google Play Fee Calculator — Platform Revenue Cut Estimator

App platforms take a significant cut of every dollar you earn from paid downloads, in-app purchases, and subscriptions. Apple takes 30% by default — or 15% if you qualify for the Small Business Program. Google Play takes 15% on the first $1M per year automatically. For subscription apps, the rates are different still. This calculator shows exactly what you keep after the platform's share.

All four rate scenarios

Choose Apple Standard (30%), Apple Small Business (15%), Google Play Standard (30%), or Google Play first $1M (15%) to see your net earnings.

Accurate developer earnings

See exactly what reaches your bank account after the platform's cut — essential for pricing your app or setting subscription rates.

Works for any revenue type

Use for paid app downloads, in-app purchases, subscriptions, or any digital goods sold through the App Store or Play Store.

If you're a small developer earning under $1M/year, verify you're enrolled in the correct program — the difference between 30% and 15% on $500,000 revenue is $75,000. That's worth a 10-minute enrollment.

Fee rates verified and updated April 2026. Rates may change — verify directly with the platform before transacting.