What did Google change about Play Store fees?

Google reduced its standard Play Store commission from 30% to 20% (15% for subscriptions), making it meaningfully cheaper for developers who generate significant revenue on Android.

What is Apple's current App Store commission after court rulings?

Apple charges 27% on external payment links following a 9th Circuit ruling that struck down its prior 30% fee on external payments. Apple is appealing to the Supreme Court as of April 2026.

How do the new App Store fees affect indie mobile developers?

Indie developers keeping more revenue per sale — potentially 10+ percentage points more on Play Store. Combined with Apple's court-ordered external payment links, margin structures for mobile apps are improving for the first time in a decade.

What is the EU doing about App Store fees?

EU developers are pushing regulators to apply the same fee reduction rules as US courts, arguing Apple's 5% EU Core Technology Commission still exceeds what US developers pay under court order. Apple has not disclosed 2026 EU terms.

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Google Cuts Play Store Fee from 30% to 20%, Signaling Platform Commission War That Reshapes Mobile App Economics

Google announced a reduction of Play Store commission from 30% to 20% (15% for subscriptions), landing 219 points and 80 comments on HN. Context: Apple is fighting a Supreme Court appeal over its 27% external payment fee after a 9th Circuit ruling. EU developers are separately pushing regulators. The platform fee reduction is a structural trend creating revenue opportunities for mobile-first indie devs who can now keep 10 additional points per dollar. Combined with Apple's forced compliance with external payment links, mobile app margins are improving for the first time in a decade.