Apple updates App Store rules to comply with court order allowing external payment links

Apple has revised its App Store guidelines in the United States, now allowing developers to include external links that redirect users to their own websites for purchases, including subscriptions and digital goods. This policy shift follows a legal battle initiated by Epic Games in 2020, which challenged Apple’s tight control over in-app payment systems. After a 2021 injunction ruled in Epic’s favor and an appeal failed, Apple had already started to allow such redirection, but still charged a 27% commission and implemented ‘scare screens’ warning users about the risks of external payments. The recent court decision mandates that Apple eliminate these warning screens and modifies the related guidelines, marking a significant win for developers seeking to bypass Apple’s commission structure. The ruling does not yet clarify whether Apple will stop taking commissions on these external payments entirely. Spotify has responded swiftly by submitting an app version with such external links to the App Store. Apple expressed its discontent with the ruling, stating that it disagrees with the decision but will comply while appealing. This change reflects growing legal and regulatory pressure on Apple to loosen its grip on app monetization strategies in its ecosystem.