Apple extends in-app purchase exemption for online group and event apps yet again

The image is by Alex Castro.

Apple has extended its deadline requiring online group and event apps to comply with the company's in-app purchase policy once again. This category of apps can use alternate payment options until June 30th, which will allow them to skirt Apple's 15 to 30 percent cut on in-app purchases.

In 2020, Apple decided to support apps and developers that needed to adapt services from in-person to digital as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent deadline has been extended because of the recent resurgence of COVID.

The rule targeting group event apps was deferred by Apple.

Changes to Apple's in-app purchase policy were introduced in September 2020. The company changed its rules to allow just two people to use other payment methods.

After facing criticism for charging event platforms a commission in the midst of a pandemic, Apple decided to defer its rule targeting group event apps in November 2020 and later extended the reprieve until December 31st, 2021.