External App Store purchase commissions won’t satisfy Epic

Apple’s latest proposal in the Epic trial suggests it should be able to charge between 5% and 15% on external purchases. However, Epic will appeal any value above 0%.

The ongoing lawsuit between Apple and Epic has left Apple unable to charge commissions on external purchases since its injunction violation in April 2025. Thursday’s proposal could let Apple begin charging something again soon, that is if the District Court finds it within its expectations.

Apple was ordered to provide a plan for external commission rates on Tuesday, and in spite of multiple appeals, has finally done so. The filing was made on the minute at 5 p.m. EST when the deadline was set.

The proposed rates are Apple’s most modest yet and a sharp fall from its original proposal that maxed out at 27% in commissions. The filing suggests that the District Court has mischaracterized the costs of doing business with the App Store and the value Apple provides, but shared its proposed rates anyway.

Here is what Apple offered:

• 15% for standard apps, which are subject to a 30% in-app purchase commission
• 10% for the Video Partner Program, the News Partner Program, the Mini Apps Partner Program, and subscription renewals
• 5% for Small Business Program apps

Apple stated that it believes these rates will be highly competitive versus using in-app purchases. It is also enough that Apple will have some mild profit margin as well.

Apple also filed an Administration Motion for Referral to Settlement Conference. It suggests that a settlement conference would help both parties reach resolution and narrow or resolve remaining issues.

Apple’s filing is in, and Apple admitted that under the Ninth Circuit’s definition of “necessary costs” they would charge 0% for purchases made via linkouts to the web.

Apple proposed linkout fees of 15% for standard apps and 5% for Small Business Program apps. Epic believes

— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) August 13, 2026

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Epic seems to believe it owes nothing and should be able to benefit from distributing apps on the App Store without paying Apple a dime of compensation. It plans to file an oppositional statement.