As ordered by the authorities, Apple will have to let go with the App Store. But the firm has unveiled a change, so nothing changes.
American justice is clear: Apple must authorize developers of apps for the iPhone and iPad to use a payment system other than the App Store. More generally, the firm is facing increased scrutiny from authorities in many countries regarding the abuse of the position it enjoys in its ecosystem.
This Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Apple updated the App Store Terms to comply with American law. In fact, the generation pretends not to understand.
Hard to use alternative
With App Store Policy Update 3.1.1, Apple allows apps to offer in-app payments on iOS and iPadOS in the United States with a direct link to the service’s official website. However, use of an Apple system remains mandatory to allow compatibility with functions such as Family Sharing.
Apparently, Apple is playing the fear card regarding options: “ Apple also cannot assist customers with refunds, purchase history, subscription management, and other issues encountered when purchasing digital goods and services. It will be your responsibility to resolve these issues with customers “
In addition to these considerations, it is especially on financial matters that Apple betrays a sense of complete legal judgment. indeed, The firm charges 27% commission on payments made outside its proprietary payment system. In other words, a developer using an alternative to Apple’s system will pay just as much, if not more.
In short, yes Apple offers a system that allows you to pay outside of the App Store, but the firm has managed to find legal loopholes that allow it to make this solution very unattractive.
What about Europe?
This is about Apple’s compliance with legal decisions in the United States. The firm has not yet detailed how it intends to offer the possibility to use an alternative app store in the EU. However, it is an obligation that will come into effect from March. So we should learn more soon. Will the apple brand still find a trick to provide a minimum service against the democratic decisions of the legislature, ie us?
