Apple has officially updated its App Store Developer Guidelines to allow apps to include links to third-party payment systems, following a court ruling in the Epic Games antitrust lawsuit.
The updated guidelines now state that “there is no prohibition on including buttons, deep links, or other calls to action in an app.” In a message to developers sent Thursday evening, Apple noted, “The App Review Guidelines have been updated to reflect a U.S. court ruling regarding buttons, deep links, and other calls to action in apps. These changes apply to apps distributed on the U.S. App Store.”
This change comes after U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers ruled that Apple “willfully chose not to comply” with a prior injunction that required the company to allow developers to guide users to alternative payment options outside the App Store. Even after the ruling, Apple attempted to charge a 27% fee for purchases made through third-party payment systems.
Developers Begin Adapting to New Guidelines
Several companies have already started updating their apps to reflect the revised rules. As reported by 9to5mac.com, Spotify has released a new version of its app, which includes links to external payment systems and other updates aligned with the new guidelines.
Apple, while now complying, maintains strong opposition to the ruling, notes NIXsolutions. “We will comply with the court’s order and appeal,” the company said in a statement to 9to5mac.com. The tech giant was compelled to follow the court order under the threat of criminal prosecution.
This shift marks a significant moment for developers, especially those who have long sought more flexibility in handling in-app payments. It remains to be seen how Apple’s implementation will affect user experience and developer revenue moving forward, especially given the ongoing debate about platform fees and fair access.
As the situation continues to develop and Apple proceeds with its appeal, we’ll keep you updated on further changes and potential implications for the broader app ecosystem.