Apple loosens App Store grip
Devs can tell you where to get cheaper apps
Apple’s control of the App Store has lessened, and has been reflected in updated App Store Guidelines. These now permit developers to contact users regarding payment methods outside the App Store. This means that devs could point users towards cheaper prices on their own websites where they need not pay Apple’s App Store commission.
The change comes after Apple was forced to settle a court case in August 2021. The case was brought by a group of developers in 2019 who alleged that Apple’s policies prohibiting them from directing users towards cheaper prices off the App Store were a monopoly on the distribution and purchase of apps. Apple settled that case for $100 million and has now updated its guidelines. Specifically, Apple has deleted a clause from guideline 3.1.3 that barred developers from using information obtained in their apps (such as user email addresses) to contact people regarding cheaper pricing. Apple has also added a new section to guideline 5.1.1 (x) that allows developers to request user information, so long as that information is volunteered and not required.