Apple finally permits the use of third-party payment methods on iOS, South Korea is the first

Following legislation in South Korea to break the monopoly on Google and Apple's App Store, Apple has announced that it will be the first iOS app to introduce a third-party payment method. It will only be available in South Korea following Google's announcement of similar changes in November 2021.

Apple to allow alternative payment system for 1st time in S. Korea | Yonhap News Agency
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220111004700320

Apple promises third-party payment options in iOS for South Korean users --The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/11/22877952/apple-third-party-payments-app-store-south-korea

Apple charges a 30% commission on sales when users purchase digital products through the iOS app, called the 'Apple Tax.' Many app developers are dissatisfied with the inability to avoid Apple taxes because Apple does not allow third-party payment methods to be used within iOS apps.

Google, which owns Android and the Google Play store, also stipulates this fee and prohibition of third-party payment methods, but this attitude of Apple and Google is monopolized as 'effectively forcing a specific payment method'. There have been frequent complaints of violating antitrust laws.

In particular, Epic Games, which releases the popular game 'Fortnite, ' has filed a large-scale lawsuit against Apple, and Apple will allow 'apps offered on the App Store other than payment options offered by Apple.' Has been decided.

In a lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games, it was decided that 'App Store should accept payment methods other than Apple', while there is a voice that Apple wins-GIGAZINE

Meanwhile, in 2021, a law was enacted in South Korea that prohibits companies that have a monopoly position on app stores from forcing specific in-app payment methods. Under this law, app store operators will be fined if they force developers to download apps or make payments.

Laws regulating Google and Apple's app stores passed in South Korea, banning compulsion of exclusive payment system --GIGAZINE

Following this law, Google announced in November 2021 that it would allow third-party payment methods for Google Play stores and in-app purchases.

Google Enables Third Party Payment System in South Korea-GIGAZINE

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC), a communications regulator in South Korea, announced that 'Apple will allow alternative payment systems in South Korea in accordance with the new law.' Apple told Yonhap News Agency, a major Korean news agency, 'Apple has a great deal of respect for Korean law and has worked with talented Korean app developers. Our job is , Always keep in mind to keep the App Store as a safe and reliable place for users to download their favorite apps. Work with KCC and the developer community on solutions that benefit Korean iOS users. I'm looking forward to it. '