Apple has introduced its Mini Apps Partner Program, under which developers of “mini apps” can now pay just 15% commission on qualifying in-app purchases, rather than the standard 30%, according to a press release.
So what exactly is a “mini app”? Apple describes them as “self-contained experiences built using web technologies like HTML5 or JavaScript” that run inside a larger native host app. Think of them as services or plug-ins that are embedded within a bigger app rather than standalone downloads.
To qualify for the lower fee, both the host app and the mini apps it contains must support certain Apple technologies: namely the Declared Age Range API, the Advanced Commerce API and Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Apple says this ensures a safe and consistent experience for users.
This move is likely Apple’s response to the growth of super app ecosystems – particularly in China, where platforms like WeChat have long offered mini apps for payments, ride-hailing and delivery inside a single app. Apple’s change gives developers working in that model a clearer path to a reduced commission.
Even in Singapore, the super app Grab is already heading down that path with its Partner Apps – third-party services that run inside the Grab app alongside rides and food delivery. It’s a model that encourages you to do more without switching apps, and Apple now appears keen to support that behaviour.