Apple has recently made updates to its App Store policies, specifically regarding how developers can link to outside payment platforms. The changes were reported by 9to5Mac and aim to provide more clarity and transparency for developers in this area.
Under the new policies, developers who choose to use an external payment platform will still owe Apple a certain percentage of their revenue. Apple will take a 27 percent cut, which is slightly lower than the standard 30 percent in most cases. However, developers who are part of the App Store Small Business Program will only need to pay a 12 percent fee.
Application Process for Alternative Payment Methods
To link to alternative payment methods, developers will need to apply for an “entitlement” that enables them to do so. This is outlined in Section 3.1.1(a) of the App Store Review Guidelines. By implementing this process, Apple aims to ensure that developers are following the necessary protocols when integrating external payment systems.
While developers now have the option to link to external payment platforms, they are still required to offer Apple’s in-app purchase system within their apps. This ensures that users have the choice to use Apple’s platform if they prefer, while also providing a level playing field for app developers.
These updates to Apple’s App Store policies come in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Apple and Epic’s appeals over the Epic Games v. Apple ruling. The ruling prompted Apple to discontinue its anti-steering rules. However, Epic’s founder and CEO, Tim Sweeney, has expressed displeasure with Apple’s updated policies. He criticizes the 27 percent fee as “anticompetitive” and raises concerns about the appearance and functionality of the external links. Sweeney also highlights what he refers to as a “scare screen” that users will encounter when leaving an app to visit an external site. He is determined to contest Apple’s plan in District Court, challenging what he perceives as bad-faith compliance.
Apple’s recent updates to its App Store policies outline clear guidelines for developers who wish to integrate external payment platforms. While the changes aim to provide more flexibility, they also ensure that Apple’s in-app purchase system remains available as an option for users. The responses from Epic’s CEO demonstrate ongoing tensions between Apple and certain developers, suggesting that the debate surrounding app store policies and fees is far from over.
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