Apple Fiscal Calendar 2026: All Payment Dates for App Developers

If you're here, you likely know that Apple has a structured payment process for distributing app revenue. But how exactly does it work? Unlike Google, which pays developers on the 15th of each month, Apple follows a Fiscal Calendar, updating it annually with specific payout dates.

In this article, we'll go over Apple's Fiscal Calendar and answer common questions. Bookmark this page to easily find it every time you need to check Apple's payout dates and to stay posted on the new calendars as they go live.

Apple Fiscal Calendar 2026

As you can see, the payments are made every 4 or 5 weeks. The payouts are released consistently on the same day of the week, covering the revenue collected mostly from the two months prior the calendar month. Please note that the timing of when you actually receive the funds can vary a bit, depending on your payment method or how your bank processes the transfer.

Why follow Apple's Fiscal Calendar?

Well, firstly, to know when you get paid. As an app owner, you must know Apple’s payout dates, Apple's fee for subscription apps as well as determine the comission rates all to align with managing your cash flow and optimizing your budget. For example, you plan to spend on marketing or ads. You will see that ad platforms often require upfront payments or immediate billing cycles, which can create cash flow challenges if your revenue is not timely. Knowing the fiscal calendar helps you synchronize spending with expected income, and know when exactly your money will arrive.

What is Apple’s Fiscal Year?

Apple’s fiscal year is a financial schedule that typically spans 364 days, divided into four quarters. Each quarter generally includes one 35-day fiscal month and two 28-day fiscal months. Apple adds an extra week to its fiscal year every five years to realign with the 365-day calendar year. This adjustment ensures that Apple’s financial reporting remains accurate over time, and the last adjustment was made in 2023.

Apple Fiscal Year Quarters

As we’ve noted, Apple's fiscal year consists of quarters - not the typical spring and summer that we’re used to - each with specific start and end dates:

Q1: October to December
Q2: January to March
Q3: April to June
Q4: July to September

The kickoff month in each quarter consists of a 35 days, offering five fiscal weeks of revenue generation opportunities, followed by two 28-day months. This initial period sets the pace for the year, making it crucial for app developers to start strong.

Apple usually pays developers 33 days after the end of each fiscal month. However, there are some exceptions, especially for the November fiscal month, which might be paid earlier to align with quarterly financial results.

Key Takeaways About Apple Fiscal Year

The Apple fiscal year starts on the last Sunday of September.

It’s divided into four quarters, with each quarter comprising three months.

The first month of each quarter spans 35 days, while the remaining two months each cover 28 days.

The entire fiscal year covers 364 days, and every five years, an extra week is added to keep things aligned.

The calendar follows the US format, where weeks start on Sunday and end on Saturday.

Each period begins and ends on the same day of the week, and typically, payments are made 33 days after the end of the previous fiscal month.

FAQ on Apple Fiscal Calendar

1. When does Apple's fiscal year start? Apple's fiscal year starts on the last Sunday of September each year.2. How is Apple's fiscal year structured? The fiscal year is divided into four quarters, with each quarter consisting of three months. The first month of each quarter is 35 days long, while the remaining two months are each 28 days.3. Why does Apple's fiscal year have 364 days, and what happens every five years? Apple's fiscal year has 364 days to ensure consistency in the number of days each year. To realign the calendar, an extra week is added every five years.4. How does the Apple fiscal calendar differ from a standard calendar? Unlike the standard calendar, which follows a fixed monthly schedule, Apple's fiscal calendar varies with months of 35 and 28 days. Additionally, it begins on the last Sunday of September, rather than January 1st.5. What day do weeks start and end on in Apple's fiscal calendar? The fiscal calendar follows the US format, with weeks starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday.6. How are payment periods structured in Apple's fiscal year? Payments are typically made 33 days after the end of the previous fiscal month.7. What is the significance of payments being made on the same day each week? Consistent payment days (this year, Thursday) allow developers to plan financial activities, like budgeting and ad spend, with greater predictability.

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