Apple eases App Store rules again, to allow outside signups
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple eases App Store rules again, to allow outside signups

Associated Press  

LONDON — Apple is relaxing rules to allow some app developers such as Spotify, Netflix and digital publishers to include an outside link so users can sign up for paid subscription accounts. The iPhone maker said late Wednesday that it’s making a small adjustment to its strict App Store rules for developers of so-called reader apps, in order to resolve an investigation by regulators in Japan. One of the biggest complaints from app makers such as Spotify was about Apple’s requirement that subscriptions only be bought through iPhone apps, allowing the company to take a commission of up to 30%. Last week Apple agreed as part of a preliminary U.S. legal settlement that app developers would no longer be forbidden from informing users by email about how to pay for services outside the app.

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History of this topic

Apple faces first-ever charges under EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA)
6 months ago

Apple faces first-ever charges under EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA)

India TV News  

European Union regulators opened a new investigation into Apple’s support for alternative iOS marketplaces in Europe on Monday, under the Digital Markets Act, adding that the App Store's “steering” policies violate the DMA meant to encourage competition. The EU regulators said they are concerned as Apple's new business model makes it too hard for app developers to operate as alternative …

Apple becomes first target of EU’s new digital competition rules aimed at big tech
6 months ago

Apple becomes first target of EU’s new digital competition rules aimed at big tech

Associated Press  

LONDON — European Union regulators on Monday leveled their first charges under the bloc’s new digital competition rulebook, accusing Apple of preventing app makers from pointing users to cheaper options outside its App Store. The European Commission said that according to the preliminary findings of its investigation, the restrictions that the iPhone maker imposes on developers using its mobile App …

Top Apple exec acknowledges shortcomings in effort to bring competition in iPhone app payments
7 months ago

Top Apple exec acknowledges shortcomings in effort to bring competition in iPhone app payments

Associated Press  

OAKLAND, Calif. — Longtime Apple executive Phil Schiller on Wednesday acknowledged a court-ordered makeover of the U.S. payment system in its iPhone app store hasn’t done much to increase competition — a shortcoming that could result in a federal judge demanding more changes. “There is work in front of us to make that happen.” Schiller’s appearance came two weeks into …

Apple Puts Rival App Stores Behind a Tall Barricade
7 months ago

Apple Puts Rival App Stores Behind a Tall Barricade

Bloomberg  

In January, Apple Inc. announced it would soon allow iPhone users in Europe to download apps from marketplaces other than its official App Store. It was a radical shift, one the European Union forced on the company through its new Digital Markets Act, a sweeping law designed to reduce the power of large tech platforms. Tim Sweeney, chief executive officer …

Apple opens up its walled garden will allow retro gaming emulators on its App Store
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Apple opens up its walled garden will allow retro gaming emulators on its App Store

Firstpost  

Apple is opening up its ecosystem in a major way. This will allow developers upload emulator apps, especially games Apple is making some major changes to how it runs its App Store, following the EU's DMA rules. Image Credit: Pexels Apple has recently made significant updates to its App Store rules, allowing developers to introduce emulators for retro console games …

Apple's regulatory battles in Europe foreshadow what changes US antitrust suit may bring for users
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Apple's regulatory battles in Europe foreshadow what changes US antitrust suit may bring for users

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy It'll likely take years before …

Meta, Microsoft, X are teaming up to fight Apple’s plan to open up App Store to other external payment options
9 months ago

Meta, Microsoft, X are teaming up to fight Apple’s plan to open up App Store to other external payment options

Firstpost  

Meta Platforms Inc, Microsoft Corp, X Corp, and Match Group Inc have jointly urged a federal judge to dismiss Apple’s proposed plan to open its App Store to external payment options While Apple maintains it is complying with the court order while safeguarding the privacy and security of its app store users, it continues to seek a revenue share from …

What the DOJ’s antitrust suit against Apple means for everyone with an iPhone
9 months ago

What the DOJ’s antitrust suit against Apple means for everyone with an iPhone

LA Times  

Greater freedom for app developers on the App Store. In 2020, Epic Games sued Apple after it got kicked out of the App Store when its game “Fortnite” was attempting to circumvent Apple’s charge on in-app purchases. “We do not expect any business model changes for now, but Apple clearly is going to have to find a way to eventually …

Apple Is Allowing Developers To Offer Their Apps Directly from Their Sites But Not For Everyone: All Details
9 months, 1 week ago

Apple Is Allowing Developers To Offer Their Apps Directly from Their Sites But Not For Everyone: All Details

News 18  

BRUSSELS: Software developers who use Apple's App Store will be able to distribute apps to EU users directly from their websites this spring, the company said on Tuesday, as part of changes required by new EU rules forcing Apple to open up its closed eco-system. The European Union's Digital Markets Act, which kicked in last week, requires Apple to offer …

Apple hit with $2-billion EU fine over music app abuses
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Apple hit with $2-billion EU fine over music app abuses

LA Times  

Apple Inc. was hit Monday with a $2-billion penalty from the European Union over an investigation into allegations it shut out music-streaming rivals, including Spotify, on its platforms. The European Commission also ordered the Cupertino, Calif.-based firm to stop preventing music-streaming apps from informing users of cheaper deals away from Apple’s App Store. “For a decade, Apple abused its dominant …

Apple announces five major changes for iPhones in Europe. Details
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Apple announces five major changes for iPhones in Europe. Details

Hindustan Times  

Apple has announced changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store for iPhones, doing so to ensure compliance in the European Union with the Digital Markets Act, a new law that will take effect in March. A women uses an iPhone mobile device as she passes a lighted Apple logo at the Apple store The European Commission designated Apple as …

Apple will open iPhone to alternative app stores, lower fees in Europe to comply with regulations
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Apple will open iPhone to alternative app stores, lower fees in Europe to comply with regulations

Associated Press  

Apple has unveiled a sweeping plan to tear down some of the competitive barriers that it has built around its lucrative iPhone franchise, but the new choices opening up to consumers and app developers will only be available within Europe to start. Although Apple isn’t planning to charge for in-app transactions outside its payment system in Europe, it will introduce …

Spotify discontinues Apple in-App payment option for premium subscribers
1 year, 5 months ago

Spotify discontinues Apple in-App payment option for premium subscribers

India TV News  

Spotify, the popular music streaming service, has notified its users that it will no longer support Apple's in-app purchase system as a payment method for its Premium subscription. The decision by Spotify to end support for Apple's in-app purchase system is not surprising, as the company has been critical of the "tax" imposed by Apple on App Store purchases. Apple …

Apple can't ban links to outside App Store payments, U.S. appeals court says
1 year, 7 months ago

Apple can't ban links to outside App Store payments, U.S. appeals court says

The Hindu  

A U.S. appeals court on Monday upheld a federal court's order that could force Apple Inc. to change payment practices in its App Store. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeal upheld a 2021 order in an antitrust case brought by "Fortnite" creator Epic Games that could require Apple to allow developers to provide links and buttons for third-party in-app …

Apple Cannot Ban Links to Outside App Store Payments, US Appeals Court Says
1 year, 8 months ago

Apple Cannot Ban Links to Outside App Store Payments, US Appeals Court Says

News 18  

A U.S. appeals court on Monday upheld a federal court’s order that could force Apple Inc to change payment practices in its App Store. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeal upheld a 2021 order in an antitrust case brought by “Fortnite” creator Epic Games that could require Apple to allow developers to provide links and buttons for third-party in-app …

App store avalanche forecast as Apple bows to EU demands
2 years ago

App store avalanche forecast as Apple bows to EU demands

The Hindu  

Apple's rivals are positioning themselves as the go-to alternative to its dominant App Store as the iPhone maker prepares to allow others on its devices in the European Union. The bloc's Digital Markets Act will force Apple and fellow tech giant Google to provide space for third-party app stores on their respective iOS and Android devices. Ben Wood, CMO of …

Explained | Why app store fees are causing a stir?
2 years ago

Explained | Why app store fees are causing a stir?

The Hindu  

The story so far: Claiming that Apple had “mostly stopped advertising on Twitter,” billionaire Elon Musk launched an attack against the iPhone maker on Monday. While the Apple App Store is a globally trusted platform for buying third-party apps, some users might want to access their favourite apps using other payment options, to benefit from lower prices. Developers too want …

Apple’s updated App Store policy only tightens its grip over the marketplace it runs
2 years, 1 month ago

Apple’s updated App Store policy only tightens its grip over the marketplace it runs

The Hindu  

Zacchaeus is an anti-hero in one of the short portions in the Holy Bible. Antitrust regulators in Europe and in Asia have taken steps to pressure Apple to let users make payments externally and to cut the rate it charges for in-app purchase. In Netherlands, Apple has agreed to cut its commission by three percentage points for dating apps and …

Netflix Brings Option To Pay For Subscriptions Via An External Link On iOS, Bypasses Apple's App Store Fee
2 years, 4 months ago

Netflix Brings Option To Pay For Subscriptions Via An External Link On iOS, Bypasses Apple's App Store Fee

News 18  

Streaming giant Netflix is rolling out an option in its iOS and iPadOS app to allow users to sign up for the streaming service via an external link, bypassing Apple’s controversial App Store fee. Earlier this year, Apple made an exception to allow “Reader Apps" to provide external links for customers so that they can log in and pay for …

Apple's app developers to use 3rd-party payment systems in South Korea: Read to know-how
2 years, 5 months ago

Apple's app developers to use 3rd-party payment systems in South Korea: Read to know-how

India TV News  

Apple has stated today that the developers in South Korea are permitted to use a third-party payment system now, for certain riders. "This entitlement allows apps distributed on the App Store solely in South Korea the ability to provide an alternative in-app payment processing option," the company said in a developer update. The Telecommunications Business Act in South Korea was …

Apple Will Allow Apps Like Netflix, Spotify To Use Their Own Payment Methods On iPhones: All Details Here
2 years, 8 months ago

Apple Will Allow Apps Like Netflix, Spotify To Use Their Own Payment Methods On iPhones: All Details Here

News 18  

Apple’s App Store fee for developers is a controversial topic. As a result of action taken by many developers over Apple’s unfair commission on in-app purchases, the company is now allowing “Reader" apps to link to their own payment methods. Apple usually charges developers between 15 percent to 30 percent commission on in-app purchases from apps downloaded from the Apple …

Apple’s App Store meets its nemesis in the East
2 years, 9 months ago

Apple’s App Store meets its nemesis in the East

The Hindu  

Fourteen years ago, Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs launched a digital marketplace. Apple said it had paid $21 million to developers within a month since the App Store’s launch. “The money that developers have earned through the App Store will top $100 billion.” That’s about $14 billion into Apple’s coffers, which is just $4 billion short of the company’s iPad sales …

Apple allows unlisted apps on App Store
2 years, 10 months ago

Apple allows unlisted apps on App Store

The Hindu  

Apple has added support for unlisted apps on the App Store that would only be available to users with access to a direct link, according to a developer support page, spotted by MacRumors. Apple suggests that apps developed for “specific organisations, special events, or research studies, or apps used as employee resources or sales tools” can be considered for the …

CCI Directs Investigation Into Apple's App Store Policies On Allegations Of Unfair Trade Practices
2 years, 11 months ago

CCI Directs Investigation Into Apple's App Store Policies On Allegations Of Unfair Trade Practices

Live Law  

On Friday, the Competition Commission of India directed investigation into the Apple's App Store policies with respect to allegations of unfair trade practices in India raised by a non-government organisation, Together We Fight Society. Apple's policy to mandate in-app purchases and the restriction imposed on the app developers from selecting payment process system of their choice is also in violation …

Apple must allow developers to add external payments options in apps, judge rules
3 years, 1 month ago

Apple must allow developers to add external payments options in apps, judge rules

Daily Mail  

Apple has been court ordered to make it possible for developers to add links and buttons for external payments within apps in the latest ruling of the tech giant's legal battle with Epic Games. Scroll down for video Apple has been court ordered to make it possible for developers to add links and buttons for external payments within apps in …

Apple objects to links to outside payments ahead of Epic Games hearing
3 years, 1 month ago

Apple objects to links to outside payments ahead of Epic Games hearing

The Hindu  

Apple Inc on Friday outlined its objections to allowing app developers to link to third-party payment options ahead of a hearing next month that could determine whether a set of antitrust court orders is put on pause. After a lengthy trial earlier this year brought by "Fortnite" creator Epic Games, U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a ruling …

Google reduces Play Store fee to 15% for subscription services
3 years, 2 months ago

Google reduces Play Store fee to 15% for subscription services

Live Mint  

After widespread pushback from developers, tech giant Google has decided to reduce Play Store commission for apps that offer subscription services. The company said that instead of charging a 30% fee for subscription payments made through Google’s built-in payments services, the company will drop the commission to 15%. The tech giant requires developers using the Google Play store to use …

Dutch watchdog finds Apple app store payment rules anti-competitive
3 years, 2 months ago

Dutch watchdog finds Apple app store payment rules anti-competitive

The Hindu  

The Dutch antitrust authority has found that Apple’s rules requiring software developers to use its in-app payment system are anti-competitive and ordered it to make changes, four people familiar with the matter said,in the latest regulatory setback for the iPhone maker. Apple's app-store payment policies, in particular its requirement that app developers exclusively use its payment system where commissions range …

Apple’s latest update gives users an easy way to report scams in the App Store
3 years, 2 months ago

Apple’s latest update gives users an easy way to report scams in the App Store

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Apple has updated its App Store with a new Report a Problem button …

Apple Ordered To Ease App Store Rules By US Judge Orders In Legal Battle Against Epic
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple Ordered To Ease App Store Rules By US Judge Orders In Legal Battle Against Epic

News 18  

A US federal judge struck down some of Apple?s App Store rules on Friday, forcing the company to allow developers to send their users to other payment systems in a partial win for?Fortnite? The ruling also said Apple cannot ban developers from communicating with customers via contact information obtained by the developers when customers signed up within the app. 3D …

Apple must ease App Store rules, US judge orders
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple must ease App Store rules, US judge orders

India Today  

A U.S. federal judge struck down some of Apple Inc's App Store rules on Friday, forcing the company to allow developers to send their users to other payment systems in a partial win for "Fortnite" creator Epic Games and other app makers. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers described her ruling as requiring a "measured" change to Apple's rules. "Epic …

Judge loosens Apple's grip on app store in Epic decision
3 years, 3 months ago

Judge loosens Apple's grip on app store in Epic decision

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A federal judge ordered Apple …

A Judge Rules Apple Must Make It Easier To Shop Outside The App Store
3 years, 3 months ago

A Judge Rules Apple Must Make It Easier To Shop Outside The App Store

NPR  

A Judge Rules Apple Must Make It Easier To Shop Outside The App Store Enlarge this image toggle caption Markus Schreiber/AP Markus Schreiber/AP A federal judge ordered Apple on Friday to crack open the tightly controlled App Store and allow people to use payment methods other than Apple's own processor, which usually collects a 30% commission on app purchases. "Today's …

Judge rules Apple can’t force developers to use its App Store payment system
3 years, 3 months ago

Judge rules Apple can’t force developers to use its App Store payment system

LA Times  

A federal judge ordered Apple to dismantle part of the competitive barricade guarding its closely run App Store, threatening one of the iPhone maker’s biggest moneymakers. The 185-page ruling issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers comes three months after the conclusion of a trial focused on one of the pillars holding up Apple’s $2-trillion empire — one …

Explained | Apple gives ‘reader’ apps a way around commissions. Who wins?
3 years, 3 months ago

Explained | Apple gives ‘reader’ apps a way around commissions. Who wins?

The Hindu  

Apple Inc on Wednesday made a new concession on how App Store developers work with customers: it will allow subscription and content apps that it calls "reader" apps, a category that potentially includes Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon's Kindle, to provide users with a direct link to their website for sign ups, avoiding an Apple commission. Apple says "reader" apps provide …

Apple eases App Store rules again, to allow outside links for signups
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple eases App Store rules again, to allow outside links for signups

Business Standard  

The iPhone maker said late Wednesday that it's making a small adjustment to its strict App Store rules for developers of so-called reader apps, in order to resolve an investigation by regulators in Japan. Apple is relaxing rules to allow some app developers such as Spotify, Netflix and digital publishers to include an outside link so users can sign up …

Apple loosens App Store payment policy in Japan
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple loosens App Store payment policy in Japan

The Hindu  

Apple Inc will loosen App Store rules that have banned companies like Netflix Inc from providing customers a link to create a paid account to bypass Apple's in-app purchase commissions, the company said late on Wednesday. But Apple will still ban developers from taking other forms of payment inside apps on the iPhone, the key practise that "Fortnite" creator Epic …

Apple loosens App Store payment rules for Netflix, others in deal with Japan
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple loosens App Store payment rules for Netflix, others in deal with Japan

India Today  

Apple Inc said on Wednesday it would loosen rules on its App Store that have banned companies such as Netflix Inc from providing customers a link to create a paid account to bypass Apple's in-app purchase commissions. But Apple will still ban developers from taking other forms of payment inside apps on the iPhone, the key practice that "Fortnite" creator …

Apple to allow developers to share purchase options outside of iOS app
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple to allow developers to share purchase options outside of iOS app

The Hindu  

Apple will allow developers to share purchase options with users even outside of their iOS app. "Developers can use communications, such as email, to share information about payment methods outside of their iOS app," Apple said in a release. Today, developers pay a commission of upto 30% to Apple on in-app purchases made on iOS app. Last year, Apple removed …

Apple reduces commission for publishers who provide it content
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple reduces commission for publishers who provide it content

The Hindu  

Apple has cut commissions on in-app purchases to 15% for news publishers who provide content for its news service. The move aims to give a lift to its News partner programme that is designed for subscription news publications to provide content to Apple News across iOS devices. To be eligible for the programme, publishers must maintain an Apple News channel …

Apple loosens app store payment rules in lawsuit settlement
3 years, 3 months ago

Apple loosens app store payment rules in lawsuit settlement

LA Times  

Under long-standing Apple rules, makers of iPhone apps had been forbidden to email users with information on how to pay for services outside the app, which would have circumvented Apple commissions of 15% to 30%. Under long-standing Apple rules, makers of iPhone apps were forbidden to email users with information on how to pay for services outside the app, which …

Google likely to soon face antitrust claims over Play store from U.S. states
3 years, 6 months ago

Google likely to soon face antitrust claims over Play store from U.S. states

The Hindu  

A group of state attorneys general may file a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google as early as next week, accusing the search and advertising giant of violating antitrust law in running its mobile app store, according to three sources familiar with thematter. The anticipated lawsuit follows complaints from app developers about Google's management of its Play Store for Android devices, …

Apple holds edge in app store trial despite nagging issues
3 years, 7 months ago

Apple holds edge in app store trial despite nagging issues

The Hindu  

Apple seems to be prevailing in an antitrust trial examining whether its mobile app store illegally skims profits from smaller companies. To prevail, Epic will have to persuade U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers that Apple’s app store has become a monopoly that has enabled the Cupertino, California, company to engage in price gouging. After Schmalensee likened Apple’s in-app commissions …

Apple Accused by EU of Anti-Competitive Behaviour in the Music Streaming Market, Sides With Spotify
3 years, 7 months ago

Apple Accused by EU of Anti-Competitive Behaviour in the Music Streaming Market, Sides With Spotify

News 18  

EU regulators accused Apple on Friday of distorting competition in the music streaming market, siding with Spotify in a case that could lead to a hefty fine and changes in the iPhone maker’s lucrative business practices. Apple found itself in the European Commission’s crosshairs after Sweden-based Spotify complained two years ago that the US tech giant unfairly restricted rivals to …

Regulation may be needed for Apple, Google app stores
3 years, 7 months ago

Regulation may be needed for Apple, Google app stores

The Hindu  

Australia's competition watchdog said on Wednesday regulation may be required to address the significant market power app stores owned by Alphabet's Google and Apple have if they do not take steps to assuage concerns. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, in a digital platforms services inquiry interim report, said app developers should be allowed to provide customers with alternative payment …

UK competition watchdog investigates Apple's App Store
3 years, 9 months ago

UK competition watchdog investigates Apple's App Store

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy U.K. authorities have launched an …

Apple revises App Store rules, prohibits sale of certain substances
3 years, 10 months ago

Apple revises App Store rules, prohibits sale of certain substances

The Hindu  

Apple updated it's App Store guidelines and prohibited promotion and sale of certain substances. “Apps that encourage consumption of tobacco and vape products, illegal drugs, or excessive amounts of alcohol are not permitted on the App Store," Apple said in a blog. Apple also said that metadata like app names, subtitles, screenshots, and previews should not have popular app names, …

Apple’s app stores open new privacy window for customers
4 years ago

Apple’s app stores open new privacy window for customers

Associated Press  

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple has begun spelling out what kinds of personal information is being collected by the digital services displayed in its app stores for iPhones and other products made by the trendsetting company. Starting Monday, the additional disclosures will begin to appear in apps made for iPads, Mac computers and Apple’s TV streaming device, as well as its …

Apple to tighten app privacy, remove apps that don’t comply
4 years ago

Apple to tighten app privacy, remove apps that don’t comply

Associated Press  

LONDON — Apple is stepping up privacy for app users, forcing developers to be more transparent about data collection and warning they could be removed if they don’t comply with a new anti-tracking measure, a company executive and regulators said Tuesday. The U.S. tech giant said it’s set to roll out the anti-tracking feature next year and warned it could …

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