Apple allows third-party payment systems in Dutch dating apps

Apple was ordered by a Dutch regulator to 'allow third-party payment systems in dating apps,' and that's finally happening. However, even if you use a third-party payment system, the app still has to pay Apple 27% of its sales as a commission.

Update on StoreKit External Entitlement for dating apps --News --Apple Developer
https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=jmps5hyj

Apple will allow Dutch dating apps to use other payment options within existing apps --The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/30/23003571/apple-app-store-netherlands-acm-alternate-payment-systems-binaries-ios

Apple has been sued by third-party app developers such as Epic Games and Spotify for allowing third-party payment systems to be used as in-app payment systems instead of the App Store. Not only companies are questioning Apple's payment methods, but regulators continue to put pressure on them.

The Dutch regulator was one of the first to move this forward, telling Apple to 'allow third-party payment systems in dating apps.' Although Apple said it would comply with Dutch regulatory orders, this did not satisfy the regulators, and the company was forced to pay a fine of 50 million euros (about 6.8 billion yen).

Apple is ordered by Dutch regulators to 'allow third-party payment systems in dating apps'-GIGAZINE

In response to a Dutch regulatory order, Apple has finally released a new App Store rule that allows Dutch dating apps to use third-party payment systems. The following three rules have been newly added.

◆ Removal of individual binary requirements:
Apple has removed the 'need to create and use separate binaries' requirement for developers of Dutch dating apps who chose to use a third-party payment system. This change means that developers can include either qualification in their existing dating apps, but still limit their use to the app on Dutch storefronts and devices running iOS or iPad OS. need to do it.

◆ Payment service provider standards:
Apple provides updated, more specific criteria for assessing non-Apple payment service providers that developers of Dutch dating apps may use.

◆ Consumer Disclosure:
Apps that use a third-party payment system must include an in-app modal sheet to explain to the user that they are purchasing through an external payment system and the impact their choices can have on the user. Apple has adjusted the wording of modal sheets to reduce the number of times the sheet is displayed.

Apple has consistently opposed orders from Dutch regulators, arguing that using a third-party payment system poses a threat to user privacy and data security. Apple also plans to charge a 27% fee even if you use a third-party payment system.

Please note that the dispute between Dutch regulators and Apple regarding third-party payment systems is limited to 'dating apps.'

Apple has also updated the App Store guidelines to give reader app developers access to 'external link account credentials' that allow apps to provide links to external websites. This allows the reader app to direct users to a website owned by the developer for account registration.

'Reader' Apps Can Now Add Links for Account Signups Outside of the App Store --MacRumors
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/03/30/reader-apps-account-signups-outside-app-store/

Apple finally lets'reader' apps like Kindle, Netflix, and Spotify link to their own sites --The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/30/23003503/apple-reader-app-developer-external-link-guidelines-announced-entitlements

Since Apple calls the reader app 'an app that provides digital content including magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video,' it will be possible to include links to external sites with third-party apps such as Netflix. ..

According to Apple-related media MacRumors, this update of the guidelines for leader apps is to resolve the investigation on the Japan Fair Trade Commission .