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Apple’s App Store Revolution: External Payment Options Now Allowed in US
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Major App Store Guideline Changes
In a landmark shift for the mobile app industry, Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to remove restrictions on external payment options for US-based applications. This significant change allows developers to implement buttons, external links, and other calls to action that direct customers to alternative purchasing mechanisms outside the App Store ecosystem.
Key Policy Changes
The updated guidelines specifically remove prohibitions on external payment methods for apps in the US storefront. Notably, developers no longer need to request special entitlements from Apple to offer external link purchases, marking a significant departure from previous policies.
Court Ruling and Compliance
These changes come in response to a recent ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who determined that Apple had violated her 2021 ruling in the Epic Games lawsuit. The original ruling mandated that Apple allow developers to direct users to alternative payment systems, avoiding the traditional 30% commission structure.
Previous Challenges
Apple’s initial response to the 2021 ruling faced criticism when the company:
- Continued collecting a 27% commission on external purchases
- Implemented deterrent “scare screens” for external payment attempts
- Maintained restrictive policies on payment system communications
Impact on Developers
The updated guidelines represent a significant victory for developers, particularly those operating reader apps and applications selling goods and services. The removal of restrictions on external payment communications provides developers with greater flexibility in managing their revenue streams.
Developer Benefits
The new guidelines enable developers to freely communicate alternative payment options to their US customers, potentially reducing operational costs and increasing profit margins by bypassing Apple’s commission structure.
Industry Response and Future Implications
The industry response has been swift and significant. Epic Games has announced the return of Fortnite to iOS, while Spotify has already submitted updates to enable external payment options for US customers. These moves signal a potential shift in the mobile app marketplace dynamics.
Global Implications and Next Steps
While these changes currently apply only to the US storefront, they may have broader implications for global app store policies. Epic Games has proposed extending the no-commission policy worldwide, though Apple has not indicated plans for international expansion of these guidelines.
Looking Forward
This policy change marks a significant shift in the app store ecosystem, potentially setting precedents for similar changes in other regions and platforms. The industry will be watching closely to see how these changes impact app monetization strategies and developer-platform relationships.
Published on May 4, 2025
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