Apple allows links from within the app to external websites, changing terms worldwide

Apple announces that the investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission has been completed, and for a 'reader application' that allows you to browse subscribed content such as magazines, books, newspapers, music and videos, go to an external website within the app We have announced that we will change the terms to allow the inclusion of links in. The change in terms will allow reader application developers to offer users payments that do not go through the App Store.

App Store investigation completed by Japan Fair Trade Commission-Apple (Japan)

Apple's App Store and App Store do not allow payments using external services, and it has been described as 'Apple tax' to take a margin of 30% as a fee. In response, the developer filed a class action proceeding. The settlement was settled on August 26, 2021, but the content is reported to be 'Apple's substantial victory.'

The reason why Apple reports 'no damage' despite the concession is that the developer informs the user of information about 'payment method without App Store' by non-app method such as email. By admitting 'Allow it to be possible', 'Because it is now possible to notify payment methods that do not go through the App Store, prohibit payment methods that do not go through the App Store for apps distributed on the App Store. Is not a violation of the Anti-Monopoly Act. '

However, on September 1, 2021, Apple announced that it would revise the terms to lift the previously unacceptable 'links to external sites within the app' following the conclusion of the Fair Trade Commission's investigation. ..

The agreement with the Japan Fair Trade Commission is to 'allow developers of leader applications to have one link to their website,' but the changes will apply to all leader applications worldwide. That thing.

In addition to the class action proceedings in the App Store, a trial is underway in which Fortnite developer Epic Games has allegedly violated the Antimonopoly Act.