Apple has announced significant changes to its App Store rules, allowing app developers to redirect users to their own websites for payments. This decision comes after a U.S. court ruling that Epic Games won against the monopolies of the tech giant. The ruling prohibited Apple from restricting apps from including features that enable users to make digital purchases outside of the App Store.
Apple will need to do away with what they once referred to as “scare screens.” These warnings effectively intimidated users from completing app-related purchases outside of Apple’s App Store ecosystem. The rules of the game have changed. Apple has re-written its App Review Guidelines. Specifically, they’ve moved away from hard and fast technical requirements on screen presentation and linked content.
“The App Review Guidelines have been updated for compliance with a United States court decision regarding buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps,” – Apple
The firm issued a statement voicing its disappointment in the court’s decision. Previously, Apple announced that it would be abiding by the order while simultaneously announcing its intention to try to appeal the decision.
“We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal,” – Apple
Ivan is a journalist based in India, reporting on global consumer tech for TechCrunch. As a frequent writer for prestigious media outlets like Huffington Post, The Next Web and many others, he is a true digital communication guru. Ivan highlights what this ruling could mean for app developers and the larger digital economy.
The antitrust case against Apple, initiated by Epic Games, has already inspired much conversation—and controversy—around the tech sector. Developers for years have complained about Apple’s App Store monopolistic practices, claiming its commission structure is anti-competitive and unfair, and harms innovation. The court’s decision is the most significant development in the increasingly bitter war between app developers and platform providers. This ongoing fight has been mostly focused on these revenue sharing models.
Apple has already begun changing its policies to be in compliance with the ruling. What is less clear though, is how these fundamental changes will impact users and developers moving forward. The tech giant is intent on appealing that decision. This abrupt change foreshadows dangerous legal fights to come though, for it may alter the very foundation upon which apps are distributed and monetized.