Apple told developers that they are able to sign up for access to an external link account, which will allow the app to offer a link to a website so users can create or manage an account outside of the app.
The websites that reader apps link to are owned or maintained by the developer. Before the change, an in-app link that goes directly to the website for account signups was not allowed. The guidelines for the App Store were updated.
Apps may allow a user to access previously purchased content or content subscriptions (specifically: magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video). Reader apps may offer account creation for free tiers, and account management functionality for existing customers. Reader app developers may apply for the External Link Account Entitlement to provide an informational link in their app to a web site the developer owns or maintains responsibility for in order to create or manage an account. Learn more about the External Link Account Entitlement.
Apple considers reader apps to be those that provide digital content that includes magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, or video as the primary function of the app. The Japanese Fair Trade Commission launched an investigation after Apple made the change to reader apps.
According to Apple, reader apps do not offer in-app digital goods and services for purchase and are primarily aimed at allowing users to browse previously purchased content or content subscriptions, which is why Apple agreed to allow apps share a single link for account management purposes.
The External Link Account Entitlement requires that apps provide reader content, not offer in-app purchases, and not offer real-time, person-to-person services. The apps that allow people to access digital content like music or video, but not as the primary function, such as a social networking apps, are not considered reader apps.
When announcing the change in September, Apple said that it would update its guidelines and review process to make sure users of reader apps continue to have a safe experience.
The reader app change will affect many of Apple's biggest competitors, with the change applicable to all reader apps globally.
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