Stripe, the innovative payments processing software provider, is stepping up to empower iOS app developers to sidestep Apple’s hefty App Store commissions. This move follows a pivotal ruling in the Apple-Epic antitrust trial, where Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized Apple for not allowing external payment links in apps, despite previous rulings to that effect.
In response, Stripe has unveiled a guide for iOS developers, showing them how to handle payments using Stripe outside their apps. Michael Luo, a product manager at Stripe, announced this development, emphasizing that it allows developers to capitalize on the court’s decision.
Previously, Apple had allowed developers to direct users to external websites for purchases but maintained a 30% commission, only reduced slightly by 3%. They also introduced warning screens cautioning against payments outside the App Store. Judge Rogers condemned Apple’s approach, insisting it failed to meet legal expectations and ordered an immediate policy change.
Stripe’s documentation outlines setting up an internal app link to manage payments on iOS using Stripe Checkout, directing customers to a secure, Stripe-hosted payments page. While this setup is more complex than Apple’s in-app purchasing system, Stripe’s fees of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction offer a more affordable alternative to Apple’s 30% or even its reduced 15% for certain apps.
This announcement has quickly gained momentum, attracting enthusiastic reactions from developers eager to take advantage of this opportunity.
David Heinemeier Hansson, a prominent critic of Apple and co-creator of software like Basecamp and HEY, praised Stripe’s initiative. He noted that this shift in Apple’s policies could pave the way for more viable business models in the App Store, previously hindered by the former 30% commission structure.
Apple’s court defeat is clearly opening new avenues for innovation and business on the App Store, enabling developers to explore and implement diverse monetization strategies.
