- Apple introduces a 15% commission for sales in mini apps if specific APIs are adopted.
- Requirements: Host app on iOS/iPadOS, compliance with standard 4.7 and mini app manifest.
- Eligible purchases: consumables and subscriptions accessible within a single mini app.
- Impact in Spain and the EU: new monetization methods and focus on age verification.
Apple has announced a significant step for its ecosystem: a specific program for mini apps with a 15% commission applied to digital purchases that meet certain criteria. The proposal seeks to promote lightweight experiences integrated into native apps and, at the same time, order its monetization within the App Store.
The benefit is conditional upon the adoption of proprietary technologies such as Declared Age Range API y Advanced Commerce APIThe goal is to improve security, age segmentation, and payment management. This move comes amid growing scrutiny of age verification and standardizes the framework for developers hosting mini-apps.
What changes with the Mini Apps Partner Program
The main novelty is the reduced rate of 15% on eligible sales These apps are created within mini-apps embedded in a host iOS/iPadOS app. According to App Store rules, digital sales commissions are paid to Apple, while the distribution between the host app and each mini-app is agreed upon between both parties.
Apple clarifies which purchases count towards this reduction, limiting its scope to operations clearly associated with a single mini-appAmong the accepted categories, the following stand out:
- Consumables: items, currency or lives purchased and used in a single mini app (not shared between mini apps).
- Subscriptions automatic renewal accessible within a single eligible mini-app.
This approach aims to foster self-contained and easily auditable experiences, reinforcing traceability of in-app purchases and compliance with platform policies.
Technical and eligibility requirements
To qualify for the program, the host app must be available in the App Store for iOS/iPadOSThe owner must belong to the Apple Developer Program and comply with the App Review Guidelines, paying particular attention to the section 4.7 (mini apps, minigames, emulators, plug-ins and chatbots).
You are required to provide a manifesto for each mini app with metadata accepted by Appleas well as integrating the Advanced Commerce API and the Declared Age Range API. Furthermore, transactions must go through the Apple's integrated shopping systemand developers must submit the relevant information if a refund is requested.
These requirements align the technical architecture with trust and security controls, helping to ensure age-appropriate content and a consistent experience for the end user.
How to request access
Participation is not automatic: The developer must submit a request through the portal from Appleindicating the host app, eligibility status, and details of each mini-app. After validation, Apple confirms the registration and provides the technical configuration steps.
Careful catalog planning, with an inventory of mini apps and their corresponding manifesto and purchase flows, It speeds up the review process and reduces iterations in the implementation..
Impact in Europe and in the Spanish market
For teams in Spain and the EU, the new framework opens a path to more predictable monetization for lightweight web experiences embedded in native apps. Sectors such as retail, media, and entertainment can explore mini-apps for fast funnels and punctual services without forcing the installation of new applications.
The model, well-established in China with platforms like WeChat, is beginning to gain traction outside of Asia: even AI players have incorporated internal mini-app-like experiences. This convergence suggests that Mini apps are gaining ground as a functional layer within larger apps in the West.
Age verification and regulatory debate
The requirement of the Declared Age Range API This ties in with the discussion about age verification on digital platforms. While the role of app marketplaces is being debated, Apple defends a system that allows developers to tailor content to different age ranges with adult validation where applicableseeking a balance between security and privacy.
Linking commission reductions to these technologies incentivizes developers to adopt them. protection and control mechanismsFor the European context, where privacy is a priority, this approach can facilitate the integration of safe experiences for children without over-dimensioning data collection.
With a 15% commission and new mandatory APIsApple redefines the framework for mini apps in iOS/iPadOS: Who is eligible, how purchases are integrated, and what age controls apply?For developers in Spain and the EU, the opportunity lies in evaluating the technical adoption and business potential of self-contained experiences within their apps.
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