Apple ends affiliate program for linking to apps

Apple will stop paying fees to websites that link to apps in the iTunes App Store. The affiliate program will continue to exist for music, movies, books and TV shows.

Apple informs affiliate program participants that as of October 1, no more commission will be paid for purchases of iOS and macOS apps and in-app purchases. According to Apple, there are now many different ways to discover apps. The company therefore sees no reason to pay out money to websites that promote apps.

TouchArcade, an iOS game reporting site, has posted Apple’s message online, saying it would be difficult to survive without the affiliate program. Last year, Apple already reduced the commission for app and in-app sales via affiliate links from 7 percent to 2.5 percent of the purchase price.