What changes in App Store policy – Guide
Apple has unveiled a major overhaul of its App Store policy, with implications for developers, users and the company itself. The changes include allowing developers to challenge Apple’s decisions on app rejections and giving them access to an appeals process. Additionally, Apple will no longer delay bug fixes or minor updates while it reviews new apps. These changes are significant as they give developers more control over their apps and provide users with faster access to bug fixes and new features.
Apple on Wednesday unveiled a new App Store policy that will allow reading apps to link to their own websites, allowing users to manage their accounts and pay for subscriptions without Apple taking a cut. The move comes amid legal action against the tech giant over its alleged practice of taking a portion of developers’ earnings.
Why is this change significant and how does it affect Apple, developers and users?
Apple announced it has agreed to allow developers of “reading apps” to include in-app links to their websites, following an investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC). The policy will be implemented globally, not just in Japan.
Apple has clarified that apps designed for reading are exempt from its App Store rules.
Apple has announced a new App Store policy that will allow developers to offer paid subscriptions and content from digital magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music and video without having to pay the 15-30% developer fee. This includes popular streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify. The policy also allows developers to include a link in their app for users to purchase a paid account.
So how does this affect “reader” application developers?
From 2022, developers will be able to bypass Apple’s App Store and avoid paying the tech giant a cut of their sales.
Apple is emphasizing the safety of in-app purchases, noting that they remain the most reliable payment method for users. The company will also help reader app developers protect users when they link to external websites for shopping.
Spotify users can now set up their premium accounts directly from the iOS app, bypassing Apple’s payment system. However, gaming apps with in-app purchases remain subject to hacking as they must still use Apple’s payment system.
So why is this change significant for app developers?
Apps like Spotify and Epic Games, creator of Fortnite, have criticized Apple’s payment system, which charges a 15-30% fee for billing users.
Media companies now have the option to bypass Apple’s payment systems when creating accounts in their iOS apps, thanks to a new policy offering concessions. Customers can be directed to an external payment system during account creation.
How did media companies react?
Spotify CEO and founder Daniel Ek criticized Apple’s 30% fee, which his own company is subject to but Apple Music is not. He tweeted that the move was a step in the right direction, but did not solve the problem of unfair rules. Ek vowed to continue pushing for a “real solution” that would restore competition and apply equally to all apps.
Final note
The App Store has recently changed its policy, and this guide provides an overview of the new rules. If you have any questions, please reach out to us. Help spread the word by sharing this article with your friends.
