Apple Developer News: iOS Japan MSCA options from iOS 26.2 (17 Dec 2025)
Analysis
By UA Ledger staff — 1 min read
Apple Developer News dated 17 December 2025 states that from iOS 26.2 Japan developers can use alternative app marketplaces and non-IAP payments under the MSCA, with Developer Program License Agreement acceptance required by 17 March 2026.
Apple Developer News item Changes to iOS in Japan, dated 17 December 2025, states that to comply with the Mobile Software Competition Act Apple is introducing iOS changes for apps in Japan. Beginning with iOS 26.2, developers can distribute apps on alternative app marketplaces, operate alternative marketplaces, and process payments for digital goods and services outside Apple In-App Purchase. The same notice requires all current Apple Developer Program members to agree to the updated License Agreement by 17 March 2026.
The linked support page Changes to iOS in Japan (opened 20 September 2026) spells out Japan business terms and child-safety gates that UA and live-ops finance models need.
Fee stack stated for Japan (support page)
| Component | Rate on the support page |
|---|---|
| App Store commission | **21%** on digital goods/services; **10%** for Small Business / Mini Apps / Video Partner programmes and for auto-renewable subscriptions after year one |
| Apple payment processing fee (IAP) | **5%** additional when using Apple In-App Purchase |
| Store services commission (actionable web link-out) | **15%** generally; **10%** for the programmes / year-two subscriptions above; applies to sales within **7 days** of the link tap |
| Core Technology Commission (apps / marketplaces outside the App Store) | **5%** on paid apps and digital goods/services |
Alternative payment options on the App Store must be presented alongside Apple In-App Purchase. Kids-category apps cannot provide out-of-app website purchase offers; under-13 and 13–17 cohorts have parental-gate rules detailed on the support page.
Limits
| Field | Evidence or limit |
|---|---|
| News / capability date | 2025-12-17 / iOS 26.2 |
| License Agreement deadline | 2026-03-17 |
| Notarization vs full App Review | Notarization is baseline for alternative distribution; App Store apps still take full App Review |
| Measured CPI lift from fee cut | Not stated |
| UA implication | Rebuild Japan web-shop and alt-store payback with the 21%+5% / 15% link-out / 5% CTC split; diary the 17 Mar 2026 agreement deadline for account holders |
Research checked 20 September 2026. Local draft; human editorial review pending.
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