Apple Newsroom: changes to iOS in Japan under MSCA (17 Dec 2025)

Apple’s Newsroom press release Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan, dated 17 December 2025, announces MSCA-driven options for Japan: distribution via Apple-authorised alternative app marketplaces; alternative payment processing and/or website link-out for digital goods in App Store iOS apps; notarization for apps outside App Review; and updated Japan business terms.

Commission schedule on the Newsroom page

• App Store commission: reduced to 10% for the vast majority of developers (Small Business Program, Video Partner Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, and subscriptions after year one) or 21% otherwise on digital goods and services.
• Apple payment processing fee: additional 5% when using Apple In-App Purchase.
• Store services commission: 15% on digital goods/services transactions completed on a website linked from the app (10% for the programmes / year-two subscriptions above).
• Core Technology Commission: 5% on digital goods/services (including paid apps) for iOS apps distributed outside the App Store.

Alternative payments on the App Store are to be shown alongside Apple In-App Purchase. Kids-category apps will not include website transaction links; under-18 users need a parental gate for alternative payments or website links; under-13 users cannot be linked to websites for transactions from App Store apps.

Limits

Download the event card.

Research checked 20 September 2026. Local draft; human editorial review pending.