Enrollment is now open for the new App Store Small Business Program. Devs and publishers that earned up to 1 million USD in revenue in 2020 can apply right now for a reduced commission rate of 15% on paid apps and in-app purchases.
Some additional details on the program have also been announced.
To qualify, devs will have to list all of their Associated Developer Accounts. If you and your Associated Developer Accounts have earned no more than 1 million USD in collective proceeds this year, you can participate. Otherwise, the standard rate will apply. If, during 2021, a participating developer surpasses the 1 million USD threshold, the standard commission rate will apply for the rest of the year. If, however, a developer’s proceeds fall below the 1 million USD threshold in a future calendar year, they can re-qualify for the 15% commission the year after.
Participating companies will not be able to transfer apps from or to other companies.
If you are already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you might want to enroll by December 18, 2020. If you do, the reduced rate will apply on January 1, 2021. If you submit your enrollment for the program after December 18, 2020, your proceeds will be adjusted fifteen days after the end of the fiscal calendar month in which your enrollment is approved. For example, if your enrollment is approved on February 10, 2021, your proceeds will be adjusted starting March 14, 2021.
More information is available here.
The launch of the program sounds like a generous move on Apple’s part. However, most of Apple’s revenue, especially in games, will continue to come from a few gaming publishers making well over $1 million a year. According to Sensor Tower, “publishers that have generated less than $1 million from the App Store in 2020 account for just 2 percent of games revenue on the marketplace.” Still, good news for 28,000 publishers that make up these two percent.