Apple has reportedly updated its App Store policies to clarify how developers can connect to external payment platforms 9 to 5. If developers use an external payment platform, they still need Apple to take a cut. According to the support page for external purchase links, Apple will charge a commission of 27% (instead of the 30% in many cases) or 12% if the developer participates in the App Store Small Business Program.
Section 3.1.1(a) of the App Store Review Guidelines sets out more new rules for developers who want to link to alternative payment methods, such as how they must apply for “entitlements” to enable these methods. Developers also can’t just accept payments from outside Apple’s walled garden; they also have to offer Apple’s in-app purchasing system in their apps.
Epic founder and CEO Tim Sweeney is not satisfied with Apple’s update to its policy. He called the 27 percent fee “anti-competitive,” criticized Apple’s rules on how links appear and work, and highlighted what he called the “horror screen” users see when they leave apps and go to external sites.
He said Epic “will challenge Apple’s malicious compliance program in district court.” Apple also detailed how it complied with the ruling in a new court filing, Epic spokesperson Natalie Munoz ( Natalie Munoz said, “We plan to challenge Apple’s compliance notice in district court. “
Updated January 16 at 8:33 pm ET: Added a statement from Epic.
