At Filin Solutions, we understand the excitement and challenges that come with launching your own mobile application on the App Store and Google Play, as it offers unparalleled access to a vast user base, presenting a tremendous opportunity for app developers.
However, it's essential to be aware of the financial considerations involved. Both the App Store and Google Play charge fees based on revenue generated from paid apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions, regardless of whether the app is developed using native or cross-platform technologies.
In this post, we want to shed some light on the charges involved and provide an overview of the fees on profits you can expect.
The fees on both App Store and Google Play can be categorized into two types: registration fees and profit fees.
Registration fees:
To publish an app on the App Store*, Apple requires developers to enroll in the Apple Developer Program, which comes with an annual subscription fee. As of the cutoff in September 2021, the fees were as follows:
- Individual Developers:
$99 per year to access all the tools, documentation, and resources necessary to develop, test, and distribute apps.
- Organizations:
$99 per year for nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions.
$299 per year for companies and other organizations.
When it comes to releasing your app on Google Play*, the process is slightly different. Instead of an upfront fee, Google applies a one-time $25 registration fee for a Google Play Developer account. This account enables you to publish your app on the Google Play Store and access various resources.
Fees on Profits:
For paid apps and in-app purchases, Apple* charges a 30% commission on each transaction. However, as of September 2021, Apple announced a reduced commission of 15% for developers earning up to $1 million in annual revenue through the App Store. This reduction aims to support small businesses and independent developers.
Google Play* follows a similar revenue-sharing model, where developers are charged a 30% commission on sales of paid apps and in-app purchases. For subscription-based services, the commission is 15% after the first year of a user's subscription.
*It's worth noting that these fee structures are based on our knowledge cutoff in September 2021. We recommend checking the latest official documentation from Apple and Google for any updates or changes that may have occurred since then.
For illustration purposes here’s a table with all the mentioned fees:
While these fees may seem significant, it's essential to consider the benefits provided by these platforms, including access to a vast user base, seamless distribution, regular updates, and support for app monetization strategies.
At Filin Solutions, we can help you navigate the app development process, including the considerations and costs associated with launching your app on various platforms. Our expert team is well-versed in App Store and Google Play guidelines, ensuring your app meets the necessary requirements and maximizes its potential.
If you have any questions or would like assistance in developing and launching your mobile application, please feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you turn your app idea into a successful reality!