iTunes Affiliate Rates Have Dropped, but Only for In-App Commissions
On May 1, Apple cut iTunes Affiliate rates. However, it probably wasn’t nearly as bad as once thought.
On April 24, Apple told members of its iTunes Affiliate Program that commission rates would be dropping from 7 percent to 2.5 percent on app and in-app content as of May 1.
At the time they noted:
Starting on May 1st 2017, commissions for all app and in-app content will be reduced from 7% to 2.5% globally. All other content types (music, movies, books, and TV) will remain at the current 7% commission rate in all markets. We will also continue to pay affiliate commissions on Apple Music memberships so there are many ways to earn commissions with the program.
According to MacGamer HQ, the commission rate change only affects in-app purchases, as this exchange with Apple support seems to confirm:
MacGamerHQ has noted that several site owners and bloggers have continued to receive 7 percent on app links into May.
Hopefully, we’ll receive official confirmation from Apple soon. If we do, we’ll certainly let you know.
The iTunes Affiliate Program is an important revenue generator for sites such as AppAdvice. Were Apple to drop rates across the board by 4.5 percent, it could prove devastating for everyone involved.
See also: