Apple eases App Store rules
According to Aetna from Mehr, this change happens shortly after the US Supreme Court rejected the appeal of a lower court’s decision. According to the original court ruling, Apple should have allowed developers to provide alternative payment methods (instead of in-app payments) to their customers. This change in Apple’s policy only applies to iOS and iPadOS apps in the US App Store, and software developers must still pay a commission for purchases that are not made through the App Store.
Apple seems to be controlling payments even under the new strict rules. According to a statement published on the support page, developers must receive approval from Apple before they can take advantage of the new rule. Also, Apple developers are only allowed to inform users about alternative payment methods in certain ways. For example, in the company’s guidelines for software developers, it is explained that payment links outside the App Store are displayed only once and in a specific place in the app. App developers are also not allowed to use pop-up messages to refer to or mention payment methods outside of the App Store.
In addition to what was said, Apple officially requires developers to pay a commission to the company for purchases outside the App Store. The amount of this commission is 12% for small developers and 27% for large companies, but according to some media, the company may face problems when implementing these conditions.
Apple had stated in court documents that collecting fees is a very difficult process and in some cases impossible. But the company had stated in the developer’s statement that even if they have not had any transactions, they have to submit monthly reports and the company has the right to check their records.
However, such a move is a big concession on Apple’s part.