The commission fined Google 42.9 billion won and Apple 20.8 billion won and ordered changes that would let developers offer external payment links within apps.
South Korea’s Media and Communications Commission ordered Google and Apple on 28 October 2026 to let developers offer external payment links within apps, alongside fines for restricting payment choices. The regulator also found that both companies delayed app reviews without properly explaining why or saying when reviews would restart.
The commission described the decision as its first enforcement of app-market rules added to the Telecommunications Business Act in 2021. Its investigation began in August 2022, and the companies were notified of alleged violations in October 2023.
| Company | Reuters figure | Commission’s precise figure |
|---|---|---|
| 42.9 | 42.9 | |
| Apple | 20.8 | 20.81 |
The commission said both companies allowed their own in-app billing and third-party billing—payment systems supplied by developers within an app—but blocked payments through external websites. Developers choosing third-party billing lost some features available with the companies’ own systems, such as subscription management.
Euronews said the alternative billing commission was only slightly below the rate for the companies’ own systems. The commission found that the fees and missing features left developers with little real choice.
The regulator fines Apple 20.81 billion won over payment restrictions, app-review delays and discriminatory commissions, and orders changes to its practices.
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| Payment method | Commission |
|---|---|
| Google’s or Apple’s own billing system | 30% |
| Alternative in-app billing | 26% |
Developers also had to cover payment-processing, system-building and settlement costs, the commission said. It found that Google restricted developers from displaying different prices for different payment methods, while Apple required separate apps for alternative payments. Together with the fees and other conditions, these restrictions effectively forced developers to use the companies’ own billing systems.
The commission found that both companies unjustifiably delayed app reviews. They failed to give specific reasons for delays or clear answers to developers asking why a review had stalled and what the timetable would be. The commission said predictable review schedules were important for developers’ business operations.
The commission cited Article 50(1)(9) of the Telecommunications Business Act against forcing particular payment methods, Article 50(1)(10) against unjustified app-review delays, and Article 50(1)(5) for its finding of discriminatory fee treatment by Apple.
For Apple, the commission said the discrimination ran from July 2015 to January 2023. Apple charged South Korean developers a 30% commission on prices including value-added tax, while calculating overseas developers’ commission on prices excluding that tax.
Yonhap said the commission ordered both companies to allow alternative payment methods, including links within apps that take users to an external payment option. The companies must also adjust third-party billing fees to reasonable levels.
Google must revise its user-experience guidelines for third-party payments—the rules governing how those payment options appear and work within apps. Apple must remove its requirement for developers to submit separate apps when offering alternative payment options. Both companies must improve their app-review procedures. The commission approved these as final corrective measures.
Apple told Reuters it disagreed with the decision and was evaluating its options under South Korean law. It said it had worked with outside developers to enable innovation through its App Store.
Google gave no immediate comment to Reuters. In a response carried separately by Yonhap, Google expressed regret and said the commission had not taken account of recent policy changes intended to expand payment choices and reduce fees. Google had announced plans in March 2026 to allow external payments and lower service fees.
Both companies must submit compliance plans within one month of receiving the corrective orders and implement the required changes within three months.
