When it comes to selling digital content through mobile apps, Apple and Google’s payment infrastructures often get a bad rap for their commissions. It’s well-known that both charge 30% on in-app subscriptions for digital goods, which motivates many developers to push users to web-only payment methods. Yet, there are several often-overlooked advantages to using these official payment systems.
One underappreciated benefit of using Apple and Google’s in-app purchase flows is the robust customer support they offer. When a payment issue arises—whether it’s a billing dispute, accidental purchase, or refund request—users can often seek assistance directly from Apple or Google. This not only saves you time and customer service costs but also lends an extra layer of trust for your customers, since the transactions are handled by two of the largest tech companies in the world.
While the 30% rate gets all the headlines, it’s important to note that both Apple and Google have introduced programs to cut that percentage in half for developers earning under $1 million per year. These programs are:
Apple’s Small Business Program
Google’s Service Fee Reduction
If your app’s revenue is below $1 million a year, you can opt into these programs and enjoy a 15% commission rate. This reduction can significantly improve margins and help early-stage businesses or independent creators reinvest savings into product improvements or marketing.
Tip: These programs require you to actively opt in. If you don’t enroll, you’ll continue paying the standard 30%.
For some nonprofits, spending $99 a year on Apple’s developer account can be a financial hurdle. Luckily, Apple waives this annual fee for qualifying organizations:
While the 30% commission rate from Apple and Google has long been a talking point, there are overlooked benefits—including the ease of outsourcing billing support, lower fees for smaller businesses, and waived annual fees for nonprofits. If your revenue is under $1 million or you operate as a nonprofit, you can tap into valuable savings. These programs can make a real difference to your bottom line, helping you focus on what you do best: creating and sharing great content with the world.
At Audiorista, we recognize the importance of nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations. We offer tailored solutions designed to help these groups maximize their reach and funding without sacrificing their tight budgets. If you’re a nonprofit looking to launch a media app while minimizing costs, feel free to reach out to us to learn more about our program.
