Apple Updates App Store Guidelines After Supreme Court Ruling
In response to the US Supreme Court denying to hear Apple’s appeal in its legal battle with Epic Games, Apple has announced several changes to the App Store Guidelines. These updates are aimed at complying with the outcome of the 2021 Apple vs. Epic trial. The changes primarily focus on relaxing Apple’s anti-steering rules that previously prohibited developers from linking to alternative payment systems within their apps.
Changes to App Store Guidelines: Linking to Alternative Payment Systems
The revised App Store guidelines now allow developers to link to alternative payment methods, provided that the app also offers purchases through Apple’s own In-App Purchase system. In other words, an app cannot include links to alternative payment platforms if it doesn’t use Apple’s In-App Purchase system as well. These changes apply specifically in the United States and are similar to the changes Apple made for dating applications in the Netherlands.
Entitlement for Developers to Include Buttons or Links to External Purchasing Mechanisms
Developers can now apply for an entitlement that allows them to include buttons or links within their apps that direct users to out-of-app purchasing mechanisms. However, the link can only be displayed on one app page that the end user navigates to and it should be a single, dedicated location. Apple has also provided templates that developers can use to communicate with customers about alternative in-app payment systems, such as special offers and lower prices.
Apple to Collect Commissions on Purchases Made Through Alternative Payment Platforms
Despite allowing developers to link to alternative payment systems, Apple will still collect a commission on purchases made through these platforms. The commission rate will be 12% for developers who are part of the App Store Small Business Program and 27% for other apps. The commission will apply to purchases made within seven days after a user taps on an External Purchase Link and continues to an external website. Developers will be required to provide accounting of qualifying out-of-app purchases and remit the appropriate commissions.
Guidelines for Adopting the Entitlement and Communicating with Customers Outside of Apps
Apple has provided guidelines for developers who wish to adopt the entitlement. The link to an external payment platform must go directly to the developer’s website without any redirect or intermediate links. It should open a new window in the device’s default browser and should not pass additional parameters in the URL to protect user privacy. Apple also specifies that the link should be displayed on no more than one app page and should not discourage users from using Apple’s in-app purchase system. Additionally, Apple allows developers to communicate with customers outside of their apps about alternative purchasing options, such as via email.
These changes to the App Store guidelines mark a significant shift in Apple’s policies and provide developers with more flexibility and options when it comes to payment systems within their apps. The updated guidelines are now in effect, giving developers the opportunity to explore alternative payment methods while still complying with Apple’s requirements.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The changes to the App Store guidelines provide developers with more flexibility and options for payment systems within their apps. Developers can now link to alternative payment methods, but Apple will still collect a commission on purchases made through these platforms. The market is expected to see an increase in competition among payment platforms within apps, potentially benefiting developers and consumers.
