Apple Adjusts App Store Pricing and Developer Payouts in Response to VAT Changes in Russia and Kazakhstan

• January 30, 2026

Apple has implemented changes to its App Store pricing structure and developer payments across nine countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan, due to recent adjustments in local value-added tax (VAT) regulations. These updates reflect the impact of increased VAT rates and took effect on January 30.

VAT Increases Prompt App Store Pricing Revisions

For the Russian market, the key update stems from a rise in VAT from 20% to 22%. This change directly influences the pricing of apps and in-app purchases on the App Store, as well as the revenue developers receive from sales. Similarly, Kazakhstan has seen its VAT rate increase from 12% to 16%, prompting Apple to align its pricing and payment models accordingly within that region.

The adjustments ensure compliance with the revised tax laws while maintaining transparency for developers regarding their earnings and the end-user costs of applications and digital content available through the App Store. Although specifics around exact pricing shifts and payout recalculations have not been publicly detailed, Apple’s policy update highlights responsiveness to regional fiscal changes and the necessity of adapting global platforms to local tax frameworks.

These VAT-driven modifications represent part of a broader pattern where multinational technology companies recalibrate operations to meet the evolving regulatory and taxation landscapes in diverse markets worldwide. The App Store’s pricing changes illustrate the ripple effects that government tax amendments have on digital economies and the software distribution ecosystem.

Apple continues to monitor tax legislation globally and adjusts its procedures for developer compensation and customer billing as required. Users and developers within the affected countries should expect to encounter updated prices and payment reports reflecting these VAT increases starting at the end of January.

Apple revises App Store pricing and developer earnings in Russia and Kazakhstan following increased VAT rates effective January 30.