Apple has updated its App Store policies in the United States, now permitting apps to provide links that direct users to their own websites for purchasing subscriptions or digital goods. This amendment follows a ruling by a U.S. court in favour of Epic Games in a protracted legal tussle with Apple, which mandated that the tech company could not prevent apps from incorporating features that redirect users for in-app purchases.
In an official blog announcement, Apple noted that the modifications to its App Review Guidelines stem from the recent legal decision relating to buttons, external links, and calls to action featured in apps. The conflict began when Epic Games challenged Apple’s substantial control over app transactions within its platform in 2020. By 2021, Epic succeeded in gaining an injunction that compelled Apple to provide developers with more avenues for directing users away from its ecosystem, largely to evade a steep 30% commission that Apple typically charged on transactions.
After an appeal against the injunction did not succeed, Apple began allowing certain applications to link to external payment systems last year, albeit it continued to impose a 27% fee and introduced what critics described as “scare screens” to dissuade users from opting for outside payment methods. The recent court ruling compels Apple to eliminate these screens, with the company already having removed prescriptive guidelines regarding the wording and functionality of links.
An inquiry has been made to Apple seeking clarification on whether it will continue to charge apps commissions on payments made through these external links, and updates will be provided if a response is received.
In light of this legal battle, Apple expressed its dissatisfaction with the ruling, stating, “We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal.”
In a related development, Spotify, which has also been in a dispute with Apple over similar issues in various regions, has submitted an updated version of its app to the U.S. App Store that includes links allowing users to purchase subscriptions directly outside Apple’s payment system.
This shift in Apple’s policies marks a significant change in the dynamics of app distribution and monetisation on its platform, potentially heralding more freedom for developers to manage their transactions independently.
Fanpage: TechArena.au
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