Apple could be forced to lower its App Store commission to 20% according to new reports.
In August, it was revealed that Russia considered Apple was operating under anti-competitive practices and said that the company’s commission should be capped.
They also suggested that Apple should allow third-party App Stores to increase competition.
Now, according to Reuters, the country’s Parliament is planning to vote on whether or not companies’ commission should be limited. The new bill was submitted by lawmaker Fedot Tumusov and suggests that commissions on apps should be called at 20%, which would negatively impact both Apple and Google, who each take a 30% share of all app revenue.
The bill also stipulates that Apple should pay a third of their commissions to a new training fund that would help technology specialists. Tumusov has also revealed that Apple and Google could be forced to allow third-party app stores, which corresponds to Epic Games’ requests following their recent lawsuit.
If approved, the bill could revolutionize the way developers are paid by Apple and could have a knock-on effect around the world. Apple is already facing antitrust lawsuits, but the company generates a significant percentage of its income from the App Store.
If Russia was to pass the bill, the company would no doubt appeal and look for some sort of alternative.
What are your thoughts on this story? Is it time for Apple to lower its commission worldwide? Let us know and check back soon for more news on the App Store and the new Russian bill.