Apple is rolling out a new initiative designed to make building and monetizing lightweight, web-powered experiences more attractive on iPhone and iPad. The Mini Apps Partner Program introduces a reduced 15% commission on in-app purchases made inside “mini apps,” giving developers a clearer path to grow revenue while tapping into Apple’s commerce and safety tools.
Mini apps are self-contained experiences built with web technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript, packaged and distributed inside a larger native app. Apple has supported this approach on the App Store for years, but this marks the first time it’s offering a dedicated commission cut specifically for mini app transactions.
Apple’s rules for mini apps aren’t new. Back in 2017, the company added guideline 4.7 to its App Review Guidelines, explicitly allowing mini apps, mini games, streaming games, chatbots, plug-ins, and game emulators that include software outside the main app’s binary. Those rules also lay out how mini apps must handle sensitive data and filter objectionable content, just like native apps.
To qualify for the Mini Apps Partner Program, developers must meet several requirements:
– The host app must be available on iOS or iPadOS and listed on the App Store.
– The app must comply with the Apple Developer Program License Agreement and the full App Review Guidelines, including the mini app-specific rules in guideline 4.7.
– The app must implement Apple’s Advanced Commerce API and Declared Age Rating API to ensure accurate age gating and robust commerce features.
– Apple’s in-app purchase system is required for transactions, and developers must share purchase details with Apple when refund requests are made.
Apple frames the program as a way for developers to scale mini apps and games while benefiting from lower fees. By tying eligibility to its commerce and trust-and-safety technologies, Apple encourages adoption of its platform tools and policies. The 15% rate could free up funds for teams to reinvest in mini app ecosystems, feature development, or user acquisition—while ensuring Apple still participates in revenue as new app experiences evolve.
Mini apps are already popular across several iOS apps. Messaging platforms such as WeChat and LINE host rich mini app ecosystems, while services like Discord offer mini games and experiences. AI platforms are pushing into this territory, too. ChatGPT now allows third-party apps to run inside its chatbot, enabling users to interact with services like Booking.com, Expedia, Spotify, Figma, Coursera, Zillow, and Canva without leaving the conversation. Some industry watchers have speculated that such platforms could eventually divert engagement and transactions away from traditional app stores. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple and Tencent reached a 15% commission arrangement for mini apps in WeChat; Apple’s new program signals a broader path for other developers to participate.
Enrollment follows a familiar flow. Developers submit a request to join, share details about their host app and mini app, agree to program terms, and then submit for review. Apple already requires a manifest outlining the embedded software, metadata, and links to the mini apps offered inside the container app.
The 15% commission applies to in-app purchases for digital goods and services within mini apps, including:
– Consumables
– Non-consumables
– Auto-renewable subscriptions
– Non-renewing subscriptions
For developers, this is a timely opportunity to deliver fast, focused experiences built with web technologies—while benefiting from a reduced rate, App Store distribution, and Apple’s built-in safety and commerce infrastructure. For users, it promises quicker access to bite-sized utilities, games, and services right inside the apps they already use.
