Episode 1038 · MacBreak Weekly (Audio)
MBW 1038: The Silicon-Controlled Rectifier - Will Apple's Upcoming Folding iPhone Cost A lot?
19 Aug 2026 · 2 hr 30 min
Episode notes
The recent public betas for iOS 27, macOS 27, and iPadOS 27 are available. What Tim Cook hopes others will view as his legacy as Apple's CEO. Apple proposes commissions of up to 15% for off-App Store purchases in the US. And will the iPhone 18 skip the fall launch? Apple releases public beta 4 for iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27. Here's what's new with iOS and macOS 27 beta 6. iOS 26.6.1 has fixes for 20+ security issues on iPhone. Tim Cook on his Apple legacy: 'I hope people say I was a good and decent man'. macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta references several unreleased products like Home Hub.…
Transcript
Read the transcript · about 500 words
Aug 19th 2026
AI-generated, human-reviewed.
Apple has responded to mounting legal and regulatory pressure by proposing a new 15% commission rate for most App Store transactions in the U.S., down from the standard 30%. On this week’s MacBreak Weekly , the panel dissected what this shift really means for developers, large platforms, and end users—arguing whether this is real progress or simply a different kind of gatekeeping.
On MacBreak Weekly , the hosts explained that Apple’s move from a 30% to a 15% commission is a direct response to recent court orders and regulatory demands to open up iOS payments and reduce anti-competitive practices. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had previously called Apple’s 27% commission for out-of-app-store payments “contemptible,” pushing the company to settle on a lower rate that could better withstand legal scrutiny.
Apple’s new structure proposes:
Apple claims this system allows “substantial competitive pressure” and assures the court, regulators, and the public that it’s not unduly stifling competition.
The MacBreak Weekly panel pushed back on Apple’s narrative that the new fee structure is a win for developers. Hosts like Christina Warren and Andy Ihnatko emphasized that even a 15% commission remains a significant “tax” on app-based businesses, especially when Apple is still controlling all the rules about who qualifies for lower rates.
Several critical points surfaced:
According to insights on MacBreak Weekly , Apple is now introducing multiple fee schedules to respond to international regulations, especially in the EU. In Europe, for example, Apple’s “core technology commission” can be as low as 5% for apps distributed via third-party stores, while other models (like linking out for payments) remain nearer 15%.
The U.S. push is part of a broader global trend—regulators and courts in countries like Japan and Brazil have forced Apple to allow alternative payment options, resulting in new models and a slow downward pressure on overall App Store revenue.
The panel made it clear: end users often pay higher prices as developers increase subscription or purchase fees to cover Apple’s cut. In many cases, app makers simply pass the extra cost along—especially for in-app subscriptions or premium services. Some companies, like Anthropic and the New York Times, price their App Store offerings higher than direct subscriptions.
For consumers, this means that choosing to “subscribe through Apple” could cost more for the same service, with very little extra value provided.
Apple’s 15% App Store commission is a calculated concession intended to satisfy the courts and slow down regulators, but it does not completely address the central complaints of developers or consumers. While some app makers may benefit from slightly lower fees, Apple continues to assert control over payment flows and competitive access on iOS—leaving many industry observers skeptical that this is the progress the app economy needs.
F or Apple fans, developers, or anyone who subscribes through the App Store, it’s essential to stay informed as new rules and legal challenges continue to reshape how software is bought and sold on iOS.
Subscribe to MacBreak Weekly for ongoing analysis of Apple news: https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly/episodes/1038
Transcript supplied by the publisher with the episode.
MacBreak Weekly (Audio)
by TWiT · English · Tech & Science
MacBreak Weekly covers all things Apple: Leo, Andy Ihnatko, Jason Snell, and Christina Warren analyze every bit of news from the most interesting company in tech. From AI to Vision Pro, iPad to iPhone, these Apple experts know-all and tell-all. You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get…
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