Apple has formally updated its App Store guidelines to reflect the dramatic decision laid down by a US judge around alternative app store payments.
In a fiery injunction passed this week, Apple was told it could no longer dissuade app makers from offering other payment methods by applying a 27 percent commission on their proceeds. The move allows apps and games to offer direct – and potentially cheaper – options for in-app purchases, at least in the US.
Apple said it disagreed with the judgment and would appeal the decision, though would comply as instructed in the meantime. The company has now updated its App Store rules, and developers are rushing to take advantage.
“On the United States storefront, there is no prohibition on an app including buttons, external links, or other calls to action, and no entitlement is required to do so,” Apple’s rules now state (thanks, 9to5Mac).
“The prohibition on encouraging users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase does not apply on the United States storefront,” Apple continues. “The External Link Account entitlement is not required for apps on the United States storefront to include buttons, external links, or other calls to action.”
Last night, music streaming service Spotify said it had already submitted an app update to Apple which directs users to its website, bypassing payment via the App Store where Apple takes its 30 percent cut.
In a blog post announcing its move, Spotify said users would finally be able to “see how much something costs in our app”, such as subscriptions and information on promotions – and in the future, potentially easier-to-buy audio books.
Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney has stated that Fortnite will return to the iPhone App Store in the US next week, after an absence of five years.
The company has also offered a “peace proposal” to Apple, and suggested it would “drop current and future litigation on the topic” if Apple rolled out these changes worldwide. Seems unlikely, but you never know.
Sweeney previously said Fortnite had lost around $1bn in missed revenue from taking on Apple and getting kicked off its app store for deliberately breaking the rules – but that it had been worth it.