Apple has today released a revised set of App Store Guidelines that includes three major changes. One of these changes resulted from a previously announced settlement agreement between Apple and a group of U.S. developers. This clarifies that developers can communicate with customers about alternative payment methods outside of their app. Another guideline related to this is that apps can request information about customers like their name and email. However, the request should not prevent the user from using the app.
The third guideline, while unrelated to legal action is about how developers can use an App Store feature called in-app Events, which will be available next week.
Apple announced in August that it had reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit brought against it by app developers in the United States. The biggest item in the agreement was that developers could share with their users information about how they pay for purchases, outside of their iOS app or the App Store. Apple stated that the changes would clarify that developers could use communication, such as email, to share information regarding payment methods other than their iOS app.
Apple also stated that developers would not receive a commission on purchases made outside of the App Stores or their app.
These proposed changes are now part of the App store Guidelines.
Apple removed a clause in guideline 3.1.3 that stated developers could not use information from their app to target users to purchase other than Apple's in-app purchases. This included sending emails to the customer's address that was on file when they signed up for the app.
Developers are now free to communicate with others without restriction.
Apple has also added a section to guideline 5.1.1(x), which further explains how developers can request contact information from users. It reads:
Apps can request basic contact information (email address and name) as long as it is not mandatory for the user. Features and services aren't conditional on the user providing this information and the guidelines don't limit the collection of information from children.
In recent months, regulatory scrutiny has focused on anti-steering guidelines and rules that prohibit customers from being contacted. Around the globe, lawmakers have tried to find out if Apple is acting like a monopolist and limiting how developers can operate their businesses in terms customer outreach, marketing, payment system choice, and payment systems choice.
Apple already had to modify its App Store rules in response to settlements in certain markets.
South Korea recently passed legislation banning Apple and Google from requiring developers to use their respective payment systems. Apple reached a deal with Japan's regulators last month regarding reader apps. This allows them to link directly to their websites within their apps.
Apple and Fortnite creator Epic Games are currently in litigation in the U.S. Although the case is currently under appeal, the original ruling by Apple would have allowed developers to point directly to their websites from their apps. This would allow customers to pay directly for the services or subscriptions they want, without Apple's payment system.
However, today's changes don't allow for alternative payment methods to be embedded directly into their apps.
Anti-steering updates is just one example of regulatory pressure that has been instrumental in driving tech giants to adopt innovative policies.
Both Apple and Google have also modified their commission structures in order to reduce their share of developer revenues in various ways. This includes for smaller businesses and apps that offer media access and apps run and managed by news publishers. Google has lowered its subscription fees to 15% from the first day, instead of 30% in the second year. The 15% rate was lowered to 15% by year two. Google also reduced commissions by as much as 10% on certain media apps.
Another rule that is new today is about in-app events. This guideline will help you to use the new feature.
In-app events were announced at WWDC. They allow app developers a better way of showcasing things that take place within their apps. With the iOS 15.1 update, the events will be available on the App Store from October 27th.
Apple recommends that developers ensure that metadata is correct and relevant to the event when entering it in App Store Connect. The events must also run on the selected dates, across multiple storefronts. The deeplink must launch an event when it is tapped. Notes events can also be monetizable.
As of today, all three rule changes have been implemented.
