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Apple Mini Apps Partner Program

https://developer.apple.com/programs/mini-apps-partner/
47•soheilpro•1h ago

Comments

daeken•1h ago
> A qualifying mini app within the Mini Apps Partner Program is one that’s put out by a person or entity that’s not directly or indirectly controlled by you, nor under common control with you.

I don't understand; if it's put out by someone else, how do I participate?

paxys•56m ago
You are the developer of an app. A "mini app" is content created by a 3rd party that you import into your app.

The linked program ("Mini Apps Partner") is for you, not for the developer of the mini app.

pdpi•41m ago
As I understand it: Your app is a virtual arcade, that supports “mini app” arcade games published by other developers, that run inside your virtual cabinet.

I make a game for your arcade, and players pay cash to add credits to my game.

The status quo: Player pays £1, Apple takes their 30% cut, you get 70p, take another 30% cut, and give me 49p

What this programme entails: player pays £1, Apple takes a 15% cut, you get 85p, and hopefully pass on some of that extra money to me too.

The gotchas are:

1. it has to be your app and my mini game. This is about lightening the load of all the intermediaries, not about you cheesing an extra 15%

2. It has to be the player buying credits for my game specifically. If you sell “ArcadeBux” redeemable for credits on any game at your arcade, you’re not an intermediary, you’re the vendor.

ChrisMarshallNY•23m ago
I have not had a chance (or, frankly, the desire) to read the full Ts&Cs, but I wouldn't be surprised if you (as an app host), will shoulder some of the accountability for bad mini-apps.
bradly•19m ago
Roblox model.
jasongill•1h ago
This article explains this new program for those (like me) who had no idea what a "mini app" was and why it matters: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/13/apple-announces-mini-ap...

tldr: it will let Apple charge a commission (although at 15%, it's half the normal 30% rate for the app store) on popular web app games embedded in to WeChat for the Chinese market

JimDabell•49m ago
> although at 15%, it's half the normal 30% rate for the app store

15% is the normal rate for the App Store. Only developers earning above $1MM/yr through the App Store have to pay 30%, the vast majority of developers only pay 15%.

jasongill•5m ago
I assume WeChat is above the $1m/yr threshold
wyre•13m ago
It seems like this might be Apple’s attempt at a version of alternative app stores, locked down by strict T&Cs.

I opened up the comments hoping to see discussion amongst the people here with strong feelings about Apple’s walled garden, but it seems I’m too early to the party.

polyomino•9m ago
Forcing iPad support seems like tying. I wonder if this will finally get Instagram to release an iPad app.
havaloc•3m ago
They already did : https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/instagram-finally-gave-us-an-...