Apple recently kickstarted a new programme designed for mini app developers within their ecosystem. The programme cuts fees for in-app purchases from 30% to 15% while helping to create a new revenue stream for the iPhone-maker.
The Mini Apps Partner Program is an initiative by the company designed to let developers deliver lightweight, web-based mini apps and games within native iOS or iPadOS apps.
These mini apps use standard web technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and are distributed through a host app on the App Store.
To qualify for the programme, Apple stated a mini app or game needs to be released by a person or entity “that’s not directly or indirectly controlled” by the developer of a dominant app.
Apple stated the scheme aims to expand developer reach, enable dynamic user experiences and provide the flexibility of web content with the benefits of native app distribution.
The programme supports qualifying in-app purchases (IAPs), which must use Apple’s official payment system.
Revenue from IAPs is shared between the developer, host app owner and Apple.
Developers are required to be registered members of the Apple Developer Program while the host app needs to be published on the Apple App Store.
Bloomberg reported Tencent Holdings, the parent company of WeChat, is widely regarded as one of the most successful developers of mini apps.
The news agency reported on the 13th November that Apple cut a deal with Tencent to take a 15 per cent cut of purchases from WeChat mini games and apps sold in its App Store.
Apple has faced scrutiny from the European Union (EU) over its App Store policies, which critics have contented makes it difficult for developers to accept alternative payments.
In June, Apple made changes to its App Store policies in a bid to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Apple
