Apple Takes Its Cut

The new Japanese regulations permit developers to use alternative payment methods, aiming to allow them to avoid paying commissions to Apple and Google, which charge a percentage of app sales as well as in-app purchases. Prior to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), these commissions could reach up to 30%.

However, even when transactions occur outside its own payment system, Apple continues to charge commissions ranging from 15% to 20%. Developers argue that there is no economic incentive to adopt the newly permitted payment methods because of these ongoing fees. According to The Japan Times, they contend that similar external payment options are available without additional commissions in the U.S., putting Japanese consumers and businesses at a disadvantage.

Since May 2025, following an injunction from a judge who found Apple had imposed unlawful restrictions on developers, Apple has been barred from imposing commissions or fees on purchases made outside its App Store in the U.S. This ruling is currently under appeal.

The EU Took on Apple

Apple faced similar scrutiny in Europe, previously requiring customers to make all purchases through its App Store with Apple taking up to a 30% cut. After the European Union mandated that alternative app marketplaces be allowed, Apple introduced a Core Technology Fee and imposed commissions of up to 17% on certain off-platform transactions.

Epic Games attempted to bypass Apple’s payment directives by offering direct payment options within Fortnite. Following Fortnite’s removal from both the App Store and Google Play, Epic’s legal and regulatory challenge contributed to EU action requiring Apple and Google to permit alternative storefronts and payment options.

Japanese developers are now looking for a similar intervention from the Japan Fair Trade Commission, which enforces the new law.