6.5 · Okay
Growth · AppFollow Blog · AI: DeepSeek 6.5 ✓
The article explains which App Store metadata fields affect search relevance: app name, subtitle, keyword field, and category, while noting that the description and promotional text are not ranking inputs. It also covers Custom Product Pages (up to 70), Product Page Optimization limits (3 treatments, one test at a time, up to 90 days), in-app events as discovery surfaces, and measurement via App Store Connect and AppFollow.
What this means for indie developers：Useful as a baseline ASO checklist for metadata allocation and CPP/PPO testing rules, though it is a general overview rather than new policy news.
8.5 · Important
Policy · Apple Developer News · AI: DeepSeek 8.5 ✓
Following discussions with the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission, Apple is lowering the commission rate on the Taiwan App Store storefront. Starting October 31, 2026, standard in-app purchase and paid app transactions will be charged 26% instead of 30%. Developers do not need to sign the updated terms by that date to receive the new rate, and the Developer Program License Agreement has been revised.
What this means for indie developers：Indie developers monetizing in Taiwan get an automatic 4-point commission cut, so verify payouts and review the updated developer agreement.
6.5 · Okay
Growth · Adapty Blog · AI: DeepSeek 6.5 ✓
Adapty observed on iOS 27.2 release devices that App Store search results ads no longer use a blue background card and are marked only by a small "Ad" label, on iPhone and iPad in both light and dark mode. Apple has made no announcement and the scope is unconfirmed; the author speculates this could shift ad TTR and CPT but has no first-party data.
What this means for indie developers：Ads now look nearly identical to organic results, so watch your brand-keyword ad TTR and CPT this week.