In November, Apple launched the so-called App Store Small Business Program presentedQualified developers can now register.
The App Store Small Business Program will require small businesses or independent developers to pay Apple just 15 percent instead of the 30 percent fee. The program is scheduled to launch on January 1, 2021, and qualified developers can sign up starting today. Apple has set up an App Store Small Business Program webpage that provides all the information developers need to know along with tools to sign up. The program is open to all developers who earn less than $1 million in the App Store in a calendar year, which is 98 percent of developers according to a recent analysis. When the program was originally announced, Apple promised to provide developers with more information and has done so today via the App Store Small Business Program webpage. The webpage walks through the basics of how it works and answers questions about eligibility, app transfers, payouts, and more.
App Store Small Business Program: Deadline for registration is December 18th
The 15 percent fee applies to paid app purchases, in-app purchases, and subscription fees. This year, all developers who earned less than $1 million on the App Store in 2020 can qualify for the program. Developers who are new to the App Store can also participate. In particular, today's information clarifies that the $1 million total applies to associated developer accounts. It states:
To be eligible to participate in the Program, you and your Associated Developer Accounts must not have generated more than $1 million in aggregate revenue (sales less Apple's commission and certain taxes and adjustments) during the 12 fiscal months that fall within the 2020 calendar year and must not have earned more than $1 million in the current year.
It also states that app transfers are not allowed while participating in the program. Any app transfer initiated after December 31, 2020 will result in a developer no longer being eligible to participate in the program. Apple stated that developers should submit their application by December 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) to receive the program benefits by January 1, 2021. More information can be found on the corresponding website be taken. (Image: Apple)
