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It’ll soon be free to publish apps to the Microsoft Store
Microsoft will eliminate developer onboarding fees for the Microsoft Store starting June 2025, allowing individual developers to publish apps without registration costs. This decision coincides with ongoing pressure on Apple regarding its developer fees. While Microsoft charges a percentage for sales using its platform, it offers complete revenue retention for developers using their own systems.
Key points
- Microsoft is removing the $19 developer registration fee for the Microsoft Store.
- Starting June 2025, individuals can freely publish apps on the platform.
- This change comes amidst Apple facing scrutiny over its App Store fees.
- Microsoft will charge developers a 12% fee for games and 15% for apps using its commerce platform.
- Developers utilizing their own commerce systems retain 100% of revenue.
Why it matters
- This move reflects a growing trend towards reducing barriers for app developers.
- In 2025, regulatory scrutiny on app store fees is expected to continue affecting major tech companies.
- Companies like Apple and Google also have ongoing discussions about pricing structures for developers.
By eliminating the onboarding fee, Microsoft aims to attract more developers to its platform, reflecting broader trends of lowering costs in app development while navigating rising regulatory challenges in the tech industry.