Been on the 15% rate for almost a year now since we qualified.
The savings are real but honestly feels like we’re still getting squeezed pretty hard. Wonder if other indie devs feel the same way about the program.
The 15% cut definitely shows up in monthly numbers but still feels tight.
I track everything since margins are razor thin and that extra 15% helps with user acquisition costs. Still pricey though with payment processing and all the other fees.
Really hope they drop it more for smaller devs.
It’s a small relief, but everything adds up. I’m sure others are feeling the pinch too.
Every dollar counts when bootstrapping. That extra 15% stays in your pocket instead of going to Apple - adds up fast.
But you’re still locked in their ecosystem. Can’t drive users to your own payment system or build direct relationships. The commission drop helps margins but doesn’t fix the control problem.
This discussion breaks down the economics well:
For smaller devs, it beats the old 30% flat rate. Just wish we had more ways to make money outside the app store.
Less cut but still tough to make money.