Apple Relaxes App Store Rule: Developers Can Now Link to Outside Websites for In-App Purchases
Apple to Permit U.S. Developers to Link to External Websites for In-App Purchases, According to Company's Revised Developer Guidelines
Apple has updated its guidelines for the US App Store, allowing developers to include links to third-party payment options.
Apple has finally announced a major change to its App Store rules that has developers jumping for joy! 🙌🎉 The tech giant will now allow U.S. developers to link to outside websites for in-app purchases, according to the company’s updated developer guidelines. This fantastic news comes shortly after the United States Supreme Court rejected an appeal to reconsider a lower court ruling requiring Apple to allow developers to direct customers to alternative payment methods. But before we break out the confetti, let’s delve deeper into these new rules and what they mean for developers and consumers alike.
Tight Control Over Payments
While this rule change seems like a move in the right direction, Apple is maintaining a tight grip on payments, even under the new rules. Developers will still need approval from Apple before they can implement this newfound freedom, and they’ll only be able to notify users about alternative payment methods in specific ways. According to Apple’s guidelines, links can only be displayed once in an app and must be placed in a single, dedicated location. Using in-app pop-ups or mentioning outside payments in the App Store listing is strictly prohibited. 🛑📵
Paying the Commission
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the commission. Developers who choose to offer in-app purchases outside of the App Store will still need to pay a commission to Apple. The commission rates are set at 12 percent for developers who are part of Apple’s small business program and 27 percent for larger developers. However, 9to5Mac points out that enforcing these commission terms may be quite challenging for Apple.
The company argued in court documents that collecting the fees would be “exceedingly difficult and, in many cases, impossible.” Despite this assertion, Apple tells developers they are required to submit monthly reports, even if no transactions have been processed, and the company retains the right to audit their records. So, while developers may have more freedom to use outside payment methods, Apple is ensuring it doesn’t miss out on its share of the pie. 🥧
A Concession for Apple
This change marks a significant concession for Apple, which has faced criticism from developers for its strict App Store rules. The prohibition on developers communicating with users about alternative payment methods was a central aspect of the much-publicized Epic v. Apple trial in 2021. Apple has already relaxed some of these rules following the trial and subsequent class-action lawsuits from developers. Interestingly, dating apps in the Netherlands are allowed to offer alternative payment options, suggesting that Apple’s rules may differ across different markets. 🌍📲
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What Developers and Critics Are Saying
Unsurprisingly, some high-profile developers who have had run-ins with Apple’s App Store policies are not entirely satisfied with these changes. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple’s new rules, calling them a “bad-faith ‘compliance’ plan.” He also condemned the 27 percent commission fee, deeming it “anticompetitive,” and raised concerns about Apple disadvantaging competing payment processors. Sweeney announced that Epic will pursue a legal challenge to these changes in District Court. 🕴️⚖️
David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founder of the Hey email app, which has battled with Apple over its payment policies, also slammed the changes. He expressed his disappointment and warned that Apple’s actions would undermine the victory Epic secured in their lawsuit.
Looking Ahead
While this rule change may seem like a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen how it will play out in practice. Apple’s continued control over payments and the commission issue could still pose challenges for developers. It will be interesting to see how other app stores and platforms respond to these developments and whether they will follow suit or implement their own rules. The future of in-app purchases and alternative payment methods is undoubtedly an area to keep a close eye on.
💡💡💡 Q&A
Q: What are the benefits of allowing developers to link to outside websites for in-app purchases? A: Allowing developers to link to outside websites for in-app purchases provides more flexibility and options for both developers and consumers. It allows developers to offer alternative payment methods that may be more convenient or cost-effective for users. Additionally, it promotes competition and innovation within the app ecosystem, as developers are no longer tied solely to Apple’s payment system.
Q: Will this change affect developers outside the United States? A: Currently, this change only applies to iOS and iPadOS apps in the U.S. app stores. However, it sets a precedent that may encourage developers in other regions to advocate for similar changes. It remains to be seen whether Apple will extend this rule to other countries or if developers outside the U.S. will have to continue abiding by the previous guidelines.
Q: How might this impact the overall app market and industry? A: This rule change has the potential to reshape the app market and industry dynamics. By allowing developers to use alternative payment methods, it may lead to increased competition among app stores and platforms. Developers may have more leverage and freedom to choose how they monetize their apps, which could impact Apple’s dominance in the market. It will be interesting to observe if this change triggers similar actions from other companies and leads to a more open and competitive app ecosystem.
Reference List:
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“Watch Series 9: Apple’s Last-Minute Appeal to Escape Ban Got Rejected” – Explore the details of the rejected appeal against Apple’s App Store rules.
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“Spotify Withdraws Festival Support in France in Response to New Streaming Tax” – Discover why Spotify made the decision to withdraw festival support in France.
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“Microsoft Changes Xbox Game Pass Quests, Making Earning Rewards Points Harder” – Learn about the recent changes to Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass quests and how they impact earning rewards points.
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“Apple Starts Sending iPhone Batterygate Settlement Payments” – Stay informed about Apple’s ongoing iPhone Batterygate settlement payments.
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Now it’s your turn to share your thoughts! What are your opinions on Apple’s rule change? Do you believe it is a significant step forward or merely a small concession? Share your perspective in the comments below and let’s spark a conversation! Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow tech enthusiasts on social media. Let’s keep the discussion going! 📣💬
