The pricing discrepancy observed for YouTube Premium subscriptions acquired through Apple’s App Store, versus those purchased directly from YouTube or on Android devices, stems primarily from Apple’s commission structure. Apple levies a percentage fee, generally 30% for the first year and 15% thereafter for auto-renewing subscriptions, on in-app purchases made through its ecosystem. This commission significantly impacts the cost structure for content providers.
This commission model is a foundational aspect of Apple’s App Store business. It provides revenue that supports the App Store infrastructure, development tools, and app review processes. Historically, Apple has maintained that this fee is justified by the value proposition the App Store provides to developers, including access to a large and engaged user base and a secure platform for distribution and payment processing. The practice is common among app store operators, though the specific percentage may vary.
