Under the new framework, Japanese developers can launch their own marketplaces on iPhones and pay Apple as little as 5% of sales made through those platforms and apps. Developers can also offer their own in-app payment systems for apps distributed through Apple’s App Store, though Apple said its own payment system will remain available and that commissions will still apply.
Japan is the latest jurisdiction to challenge Apple’s traditional App Store model, which has historically charged developers commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases of digital goods and services. While Apple is still contesting its developer fees in the United States, the European Union has already required the company to open iPhones to alternative marketplaces, albeit under a different regulatory framework.
Japan’s rules give Apple authority to approve alternative app stores and require age ratings for apps, similar to its own App Store policies. Apple also said it will conduct a basic security check, called notarization, on apps distributed via alternative marketplaces.
Developers using Apple’s App Store can provide links for payments outside their apps, for which Apple will charge a 15% commission. Standard App Store transactions will incur a 26% fee.
The new Japanese law also obliges Apple to open iPhone hardware to third-party device makers. Apple has established a system for handling interoperability requests but reserves the right to reject proposals that could expose sensitive user data.
“Across these changes, Apple has worked to reduce new privacy and security risks the law creates to provide users in Japan the best and safest experience possible,” the company said in a blog post.