Apple Updates App Store Rules in the U.S. to Allow Apps to Link to External Websites for Purchases
Apple has recently made changes to its App Store rules in the United States, enabling apps to direct users to their own websites for purchasing subscriptions and digital goods. This decision follows a court ruling in favor of Epic Games, which challenged Apple’s restrictions on in-app purchases.
According to a blog post by Apple, the App Review Guidelines have been revised to comply with the court’s decision regarding buttons, external links, and calls to action within apps. This move comes after Epic Games filed a lawsuit in 2020, questioning Apple’s control over transactions on the App Store.
In response to the court’s injunction, Apple began allowing apps to link out and use non-Apple payment methods, albeit still charging a commission. However, with the latest ruling, Apple is required to eliminate “scare screens” that were previously displayed to users making external purchases.
Despite Apple’s disagreement with the decision, the company has stated that it will comply with the court order and plans to appeal. Meanwhile, Spotify, another company at odds with Apple over similar issues, has already updated its app in the U.S. App Store to include external purchase links for subscriptions.
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