Apple Inc. enables reader apps to use external links

On late Wednesday, Apple Inc. announced that it would allow reader apps to use external links inside their platforms. The update will enable users to sign up or manage their accounts.

The said applications provide access to digital content, like Netflix, Kindle, or Spotify. The iPhone maker previously prohibited app developers from including links to account sign-up.

Consequently, the company required the platforms to use its in-app payment system. Apple takes a 30.00% cut of subscriptions in year one, dropping to 15.00% starting in the second year.

The latest policy will allow these apps to bypass the in-house fees by linking out to an external website to sign up new customers.

At the same time, the change will enable each software to handle its own customer management.

Before, this was a sticking point that app makers have complained about to regulators and courts worldwide.

However, the rule would not apply to all platforms. For instance, games that offer in-app purchases will still need to use Apple’s payment system.

The tech giant mentioned that interested developers could submit a request form. Then, the company will review the application.

Apple Inc. stated that the link must be in a standard format and contains the website’s domain name.

The policy change comes as Apple’s App Store rules have been under intense scrutiny from courts across the globe.

In response, the business made several changes to its policies and released discounts for certain kinds of apps.

Apple Inc. also changed its policy in the Netherlands on Wednesday. The company received a fine of $55.82 million for not complying with an order from the country’s antitrust watchdog.

Apple Inc., Google allow Spotify’s in-app billing

Apple Inc.’s update comes after Google and Spotify announced a multi-year agreement last week. The deal allows the music streaming platform to facilitate payments within the app.

Subsequently, the streamer will still pay fees to the internet company regardless of the payment method. Nevertheless, this will be less than the 15.00% in the previous charge.

The accord will give everyone the freedom to subscribe and make purchases using the payment option of their choice.

In the previous years, Spotify has publicly denounced the practices adopted by Google and Apple’s app stores.

It even sided with Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, in the company’s legal challenge to the iPhone maker.

The game developer primarily lost in an initial ruling but eventually appealed the case.