Apple Allows External Payment Links in App Store

Apple Modifies App Store Policies in the U.S.

Apple has revised its App Store regulations within the United States, permitting applications to direct users to their own websites. This allows for the purchase of subscriptions and other digital products outside of the Apple ecosystem.

Court Ruling Drives the Change

This adjustment follows a U.S. court decision that favored Epic Games in its legal battle against the iPhone manufacturer. The court mandated that Apple could not prevent apps from incorporating features that enable redirection to external websites for digital transactions.

According to a post on Apple’s official blog, “The App Review Guidelines have been updated to ensure adherence to a United States court ruling concerning buttons, external links, and other calls to action within applications.”

Epic Games Lawsuit Background

The legal dispute initiated by Epic Games in 2020 centered on the extent of Apple’s control over in-app purchases made through the App Store. A preliminary injunction was granted to the game developer in 2021.

This injunction compelled Apple to provide developers with increased flexibility in redirecting users to their own websites, thereby circumventing the tech company’s standard 30% commission.

Previous Attempts at Compliance

Following an unsuccessful appeal against the injunction, Apple began allowing applications to include external links and utilize payment systems outside of its own last year. However, a 27% commission was still levied, accompanied by what critics described as cautionary “scare screens.”

Removal of "Scare Screens"

The recent court ruling necessitates the cessation of these “scare screens,” and Apple has already removed the associated guidelines regarding the required language for these screens and links.

A request for clarification regarding the cessation of commission charges on payments processed through external links has been sent to Apple. This article will be updated upon receiving a response.

Apple's Response to the Ruling

Apple expressed its disagreement with the court’s decision. “We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal,” the company stated.

Spotify's Implementation

Spotify, which has also been engaged in a similar dispute with Apple across multiple regions, has already submitted an updated version of its app to the U.S. App Store. This version includes links enabling users to purchase subscriptions directly through external channels.

This change provides users with alternative purchasing options and potentially reduces costs associated with in-app subscriptions.