Apple App Store makes a big move! Allowing developers and users to use third-party payment methods

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Apple's App Store , which has been dubbed an "economic miracle" since its launch, has just released a major update.

Friends, let’s take a look at the most “exciting” one first:

Developers can use third-party payment channels.

What's the meaning?

In other words, Apple now agrees that developers can use communication methods such as email to provide users with payment method information outside of iOS apps.

For example, the reason why Epic Games and Apple had a "fight" last year was that a direct payment option bypassing Apple Payment appeared in Epic's game "Fortnite", which reduced the 30% commission and was more affordable for players.

Now, developers do not need to pay Apple commissions for user purchases that occur outside the App or App Store (that is, the Apple system).

But Apple also said that related actions must be agreed to by users and ensure that users have the right to choose to opt out.

What is the purpose of this series of "updates" related to it?

Apple said in an official statement:

The new agreement terms will help the App Store bring better business opportunities to developers.

After court approval, these measures will end controversial issues such as the "App Store monopoly."

The App Store is changing the way it plays

It is reported that Apple has reached an agreement with the plaintiffs in the developer lawsuit "Cameron et al v. Apple Inc."

Seven key issues of common concern to Apple and small developers have been submitted to the judge presiding over the case for approval.

The full "update" content is as follows:

1. The App Store Small Business Program will remain unchanged for at least three years

Apple agreed to keep the existing structure of the Small Business Program unchanged for at least the next three years. Companies with less than $1 million in annual revenue will continue to receive a discounted commission, but larger developers will still pay the standard commission.

2. App Store search results and logic remain unchanged

At the request of developers, Apple has agreed that App Store search results will continue to be based on objective features such as download volume, star ratings, text relevance, and user behavior signals. This agreement will keep the current App Store search system in place for at least the next three years.

3. Developers can use third-party payment channels

Apple agrees that developers can use email and other communication methods to provide users with payment information outside of iOS apps. Developers do not need to pay Apple commissions for user purchases outside of apps or App Stores (that is, Apple's system). However, relevant actions must be agreed to by users and ensure that users have the right to choose to opt out.

4. The number of app price points has increased dramatically

Apple will expand the number of price points available to developers for subscriptions, in-app purchases, and paid apps from fewer than 100 to more than 500. Developers can continue to set their own prices.

5. Add a review option to App review

Apple will retain the option for developers to apply for reconsideration of apps that have not passed the review on the grounds of unfair treatment. Apple has agreed to add content to the App Review website to help developers understand the mechanism of the appeal process.

6. Public App Annual Data Report

Apple said that over the past seven years, Apple has provided a lot of new information about the App Store through apple.com. Apple agreed to create an annual transparency report based on this data to disclose detailed data on the App review mechanism, including the number of apps rejected for various reasons, the number of disabled user and developer accounts, objective data involving search requests and results, and the number of apps removed from the App Store.

7. Establish a small development support fund

Apple announced that it will set up a fund to help small developers in the United States. The so-called "small developer" qualification requirement is that the developer must have a total revenue of no more than $1 million from all apps released in the U.S. store within a natural year between June 4, 2015 and April 26, 2021. Apple said that this includes 99% of U.S. developers, and that detailed information about this fund will be disclosed in the future. (This clause only applies to the United States)

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However, it is important to note that Apple added the following to the above “update”:

All of these terms need to wait for the judge to approve them before they can take effect.

As for the specific time of effectiveness, Apple has not yet announced it.

Netizen: None of them is what I want

This news released by Apple made headlines in major news outlets shortly after its release.

It also attracted comments and heated discussions from netizens.

A senior developer said:

I’ve been an iOS developer since 2009, and after reading this article from Apple, I felt like it was Prime Day; there were a lot of things on display, but nothing I wanted.

His meaning is quite clear, that is, as a developer, these protocols have no benefit to him.

The first is the issue of Apple App's cut of developers' revenue, and Apple has not provided a solution to improve it. Secondly, the only channel for developers to distribute apps is still the App Store, and Apple still has a monopoly position.

No wonder another netizen mocked:

Wow! Apple is trying to settle this lawsuit without giving up almost anything.

The "lawsuit" here should be the dispute between Epic Games and Apple.

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So what do you think of this "rule change" announced by Apple today?