Apple has announced a significant change to its App Store guidelines in the United States, now permitting app developers to include links within their apps that direct users to external websites for purchasing subscriptions or digital goods. This policy shift marks a departure from Apple’s longstanding restrictions on in-app payment systems.
Previously, Apple required developers to use its proprietary in-app purchase system for the sale of digital goods and services, from which the company took a commission. The new rule change allows developers to offer alternative payment options outside the App Store ecosystem, potentially reducing or eliminating the cut taken by Apple.
This move follows increasing scrutiny from regulators and legal pressures related to Apple’s App Store practices, especially regarding competition and developer autonomy. While the new rules apply only to apps distributed in the U.S., they represent a substantial shift in Apple’s approach to app monetization and could have broad implications for app developers and consumers alike.
Apple has stated that developers using this option must still adhere to certain guidelines, such as providing clear information to users when leaving the app to make external purchases. The company emphasized that it will continue prioritizing user security and transparency throughout the purchasing process.
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