In a significant update to its App Store Guidelines, Apple has revised its policies regarding external payments and links. This action comes in the wake of a recent injunction in the ongoing Epic v. Apple litigation. According to a report from 9to5Mac, the modifications permit developers to guide users to make purchases outside of Apple’s App Store, aligning with the court’s ruling.
The updates are reflected in specific sections of the App Store Guidelines, which clarify the acceptable methods for processing purchases:
- 3.1.1 In-App Purchase: Apps may allow users to browse NFT collections owned by others; however, with the exception of apps on the United States storefront, these apps must not include buttons, external links, or other prompts that lead customers to purchase options outside the in-app purchase system.
- 3.1.1(a) Link to Other Purchase Methods: Developers may request entitlements to provide links within their app to websites they own or manage for purchasing digital content or services. These entitlements are not required for apps on the United States storefront to include such links or buttons.
- 3.1.3 Other Purchase Methods: This guideline specifies that apps cannot encourage users to opt for purchasing methods outside of in-app purchases, except for apps on the United States storefront, as outlined in 3.1.1(a) and 3.1.3(a).
- 3.1.3(a) “Reader” Apps: Developers of reader apps can apply for the External Link Account Entitlement, which allows them to include a link to a website they own or manage for account creation or management purposes. This entitlement is not required for developers to add links, buttons or calls to action in their U.S. storefront apps.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled on Wednesday that Apple is prohibited from restricting developers from including links or buttons for external purchases. The ruling also prevents Apple from limiting users’ options to access third-party sites or from imposing fees on purchases made outside the app. Apple has stated that it will adhere to the court’s order while pursuing an appeal against the decision.
In a communication to developers, Apple confirmed, “The App Review Guidelines have been updated to comply with a United States court’s decision concerning buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps.” The company emphasized that these modifications pertain specifically to apps distributed on the United States App Store.
