Arrr, Apple be forced to alter App Store treasures, but lo! It hath discovered a path to victory.
2024-01-17
Arr, me hearties! Apple be makin' some tweaks to thar App Store booty, but tis doubtin' ye'll be savin' much doubloons, aye!
In the midst of the ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic Games over the App Store commissions, some changes have been made to how users can pay for apps. However, these changes may not actually result in any savings for users.Previously, developers were not allowed to offer in-app purchases on their own websites or inform users about potential savings outside of the app. Now, developers can apply for a link entitlement from Apple to include a payment portal on an external website they control, but this option is only available for iPadOS or iOS apps in the US App Store.
While this may seem like a significant change, it doesn't actually make much of a difference. Developers still have to pay a commission to Apple on these payments, and even when users pay via the link entitlement, Apple still takes a commission. The only way to avoid the commission is if a user makes a direct purchase through a method that doesn't involve the link entitlement or in-app purchases.
Furthermore, developers have to navigate numerous restrictions and requirements, such as limitations on mentioning the external payment method, displaying a system disclosure sheet, and ensuring the linked website doesn't mimic Apple's IAP system. All of these hoops to jump through make using the link entitlement method a hassle for both developers and users.
Apple justifies its high commission by claiming it provides valuable services to both users and developers. Despite the unpopularity of this move, Apple sees it as fair compensation for its services.
In the end, users are unlikely to see any significant changes in the prices they pay for apps or their contents. The surface-level changes may seem promising, but underneath, things remain largely the same.