Apple will let dating apps offer third-party payment options in the Netherlands

The image is by Alex Castro.

According to a report, Apple will allow dating app developers in the Netherlands to offer alternate payment options. This will allow dating apps to be distributed in the country to avoid Apple's 15 to 30 percent commission on in-app purchases.

In a message to developers on its site, Apple explains that it is introducing two new optional entitlements, or specific app capabilities, that will let developers add third-party payment processors for dating apps in the Netherlands. The dating app developers can either direct customers to a website to complete their purchase or add a third-party payment service within the app. Apple won't be able to help users with refunds, subscription management, or any payment issues if developers snub Apple's payment service in favor of an alternative.

We appealed the decision of the higher court because we don't believe the orders are in our users' best interests.

Apple appealed the decision of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets. Apple says that they have appealed the decision to a higher court because they don't believe the orders are in their users' best interests. These changes could compromise the user experience, and create new threats to user privacy and data security. We are obligated to make the mandated changes which we are launching today and we will provide further information shortly.

Apple was fined 5 million Euro per week if it didn't allow dating apps in the country to offer third-party payment services by January 15th. Match Group, which owns popular online dating services such as Match.com and OkCupid, filed a complaint with the ACM about Apple's payment rules.

South Korea legislation requires Apple to allow in-app third-party payment services, which has stirred up controversy across the globe. A court order that forced Apple to allow external payment options was put on hold after an appeal from Apple. Last year, Apple agreed to let reader apps point customers to external sites for subscription signups.