Apple has revamped its App Store rules in the U.S., now allowing apps to direct users to their own websites for purchasing subscriptions or digital items. This shift follows a legal decision favoring Epic Games, which challenged Apple’s restriction on redirecting users to external sites for digital transactions.
In a recent update, Apple mentioned, “The App Review Guidelines have been modified to align with a U.S. court’s ruling on buttons, external links, and other in-app calls to action.”
This development traces back to a lawsuit led by Epic Games in 2020. The core issue was Apple’s tight grip on in-app transactions via its App Store. In 2021, a court injunction ruled that developers should have the freedom to link users to their sites, bypassing Apple’s 30% transaction fee.
Although Apple initially contested the ruling, its appeal didn’t hold. Consequently, Apple began allowing apps to use non-Apple payment systems while imposing a 27% fee and implementing what were dubbed as “scare screens.”
The recent court decision mandates Apple to eliminate these “scare screens.” The company has since updated its guidelines, removing specific language requirements for these screens and links.
We have reached out to Apple for comment on whether it will discontinue charging commissions on external link payments and will provide updates if more information becomes available.
Apple, however, remains displeased with the ruling. In an official statement, it expressed, “We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal.”
Meanwhile, Spotify, another vocal critic of Apple’s policies, has already submitted an app version to the U.S. App Store, featuring external links for purchasing subscriptions.
