Apple users now have the ability to make external purchases outside of the Apple App Store as a result of an injunction issued in the Epic Games vs. Apple case.
The injunction, issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, ruled that Apple cannot restrict developers from including links or buttons for external purchases. Gonzalez Rogers also said Apple cannot interfere with application users’ choice to go to third-party sites, and consumers should not be charged any commission or fees for any purchases made outside of the app.
As a result of the injunction, Apple, which is appealing the decision, updated its App Store guidelines to reflect the ruling.
According to a statement provided to developers and seen by 9to5Mac, Apple said, “The app review guidelines have been updated for compliance with a U.S. court decision regarding buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps.” Apple also noted that these changes only affect apps available in its store in the U.S.
Sections of the App Store guidelines that reflect the new language include:
- 3.1.1 In-App Purchase: Apps may allow users to browse NFT (non-fungible token) collections owned by others, provided that, except for apps on the U.S. storefront, the apps may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase.
- 3.1.1(a) Link to Other Purchase Methods: Developers may apply for entitlements to provide a link in their app to a website the developer owns or maintains responsibility for in order to purchase digital content or services. These entitlements are not required for developers to include buttons, external links, or others calls to action in their U.S. storefront apps.
- 3.1.3 Other Purchase Methods: Apps in this section cannot, within the app, encourage users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase, except for apps on the U.S. storefront and as set forth in 3.1.1(a) and 3.1.3(a).
- 3.1.3(a) “Reader” Apps: Reader app developers may apply for the external link account entitlement to provide an informational link in their app to a website the developer owns or maintains responsibility for in order to create or manage an account. This entitlement is not required for developers to include buttons, external links, or other calls to action in their U.S. storefront apps.
