Apple has defended its plan to require app developers to submit an additional app for the Dutch storefront if they want to use a third-party payment processing method.
Apple must allow dating apps in the Netherlands to use third-party payment processing systems. This is different from developers in other parts of the world who have to use Apple's in-app purchasing system. Apple plans to give developers the ability to use a third-party method in the app itself or give users the option to purchase it from a website.
Apple's plan to comply with the ruling, however, has faced some criticism over its requirement that developers submit an additional app for their dating app in the Netherlands if they wish to use a third-party payment method. The requirement has caused the ACM to deem Apple's plan as not complying with its ruling and has levied weekly fines for the company. The penalties have grown to 30 million.
In a letter obtained by MacRumors, Kyle Andeer, Apple's head of compliance, defended Apple's plan and said that Apple has a consistent and longstanding commitment to compliance.
To ensure the best experience for users, Apple does not operate multiple versions of the App Store. That has proven to be an incredible opportunity for developers. Some developers might want to offer a different app for specific storefronts in order to comply with local law and regulation, according to Apple.
Apple requires dating apps to submit a different app if they want to use a third-party payment method or use the web for in-app purchases. Apple said that the extra app ensures that it complies with its legal obligations in the Netherlands while at the same time having the ability to maintain its standard terms and conditions in the rest of the world.
Apple stated in the letter that the practice of employing an additional app is not complicated or costly and that dating apps are familiar with it. To prove that the practice is not out of the ordinary requirement for it to enforce, Apple highlighted several apps made by Match Group, a developer which led the ACM to investigate Apple's App Store.
Minor technical changes to their existing app would only be required if they wanted to use third-party payment methods or websites.
Dating app developers need to update their binary in order to take advantage of the new alternatives ordered by the ACM as the existing binaries of apps in the App Store do not contain third party processor or linking out capabilities. Apple's requirement therefore does not add any additional coding obligation on the developers but simply requires them to maintain the old binary for use outside of the Dutch storefront. With the changes Apple has implemented to comply with the ACM order, developers of dating apps in the Netherlands may update their binary now.
Apple has refused to put forward any serious proposals for its concerns over the company's compliance plan, according to the ACM.
Andeer admitted in the letter that Apple and the ACM have a difference of opinion that may need to be resolved by a court. Apple is committed to finding a solution that benefits both Dutch developers and consumers, according to Andeer.
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