Apple Revises App Store Rules Following Court Ruling
In a landmark shift, Apple has updated its App Store regulations in the U.S. to permit applications to direct users to their own websites for purchasing subscriptions and digital products. This modification follows a ruling in favor of Epic Games, which challenged Apple’s strict control over app transactions.
Court Ruling Background
The recent alterations in Apple’s policy come in response to a U.S. court’s decision mandating that the tech giant cannot block apps from featuring functionalities to redirect users for external purchases. Reflecting on this change, Apple noted in a blog post, “The App Review Guidelines have been updated for compliance with a United States court decision regarding buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps.”
The Epic Games Lawsuit
The battle began in 2020, when Epic Games initiated legal proceedings against Apple, questioning the latter’s significant influence on transactions within its App Store. An injunction awarded to Epic Games in 2021 directed Apple to enable developers to provide more options for linking to external purchasing methods, allowing them to bypass Apple’s 30% commission.
Changes Implemented
Subsequent to its unsuccessful appeal, Apple started permitting applications to incorporate links to external payment systems last year while still imposing a 27% commission. However, this upgrade also included the controversial “scare screens,” which discouraged users from opting for outside purchases.
This week’s ruling mandates the elimination of such screens. Apple has promptly acted to remove guidelines that stipulated specific language for these external links and screens.
Future of App Commissions
We have reached out to Apple for clarification on whether it will cease its commission practices on payments made through these new external links. Updates on this inquiry will be provided as soon as they become available.
Apple’s Response and Industry Reactions
Despite these developments, Apple expressed its discontent with the ruling, stating, “We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order, and we will appeal.”
Spotify, a notable rival of Apple, has also taken steps in response to the ruling by submitting an updated version of its app that includes links for users to purchase subscriptions outside of the App Store.
Conclusion
The revisions to Apple’s App Store policies highlight a significant shift in the digital marketplace, potentially allowing greater flexibility for app developers and enhancing user choice in digital purchases.