Apple announced a new set of Apple App Store guidelines aimed at tech developers who use its app store services. The guidelines suggested a major change in the App Store’s payment policy as Apple has now authorised developers to provide information to their customers about payment methods other than the App Store’s in-app payment system.
The new guidelines notify that developers will be able to communicate with their customers about alternate ways to make purchases on their apps by asking them for basic personal details such as names and email addresses.
However, the option shall only be optional and developers will be required to give their customers a chance to opt-out of the communication at any time, Apple stated.
The move will now allow app developers on the App Store to forego Apple’s commission of 15 to 30 per cent that was charged on all payments made using Apple’s in-app payment system. Prior to the issuance of these guidelines, Apple did not authorise developers to direct their customers through emails to alternate platforms to make payments.
In a statement released by Apple following the issuance of new guidelines, the company stated that the new rules will give developers more flexibility to reach their customers. Reiterating that developers will not be liable to pay a commission to Apple on purchases made outside of their app or on the App Store, Apple confirmed that developers can avoid paying all commissions under these guidelines.
“Moreover, [it will] exert competitive pressure on Apple to discipline its pricing,” the company concluded. Meanwhile, the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), an independent body comprising more than 440 digital startups in India hailed the new update in Apple’s payment policy.
However, the ADIF shed light on Apple’s refusal to allow developers to embed alternate independent payment systems for in-app transactions, calling it a practice that restricts app developers with their product user experience choices. “It is only when all such restrictive practices are also done away with that the app marketplace can be deemed a true level playing field that allows for innovation to thrive,” commented Sijo Kuruvilla George, Executive Director of the ADIF.
