Apple has decided to change the operating regulations of its app store under pressure from European Union regulators. In the meantime, it introduced a new commission system.
Apple announced on the 8th (local time) that it plans to allow European app developers to connect to other platforms or websites within the app starting this fall.
According to Apple, developers can promote their products by communicating with users anywhere, not just on their apps or websites.
Apple has virtually restricted the use of links that connect to the outside world and has forced in-app payments, but it will now allow purchase inducement outside of the app.
This is based on the preliminary conclusion of the EU Commission in June that Apple’s app store operation method constitutes a violation of the Digital Market Act (DMA) to prevent ‘big tech power abuse’.
Since the full enforcement of the DMA in March this year, the EU has pointed to the method of operating Apple’s app store as an example of its conclusion that it is actually a violation of the law.
“Developers who distribute apps through the Apple App Store should be able to inform customers of cheaper alternative purchasing methods (instead of the App Store) and induce purchases through alternative methods at no additional cost, but Apple does not allow app developers to move customers freely (by alternative means),” the executive noted.
In addition, the fee charged by app developers in exchange for attracting customers through a “link-outs” method that connects to external payment sites is beyond the necessary level.
The EU Commission is scheduled to finalize its final conclusion, including the level of sanctions, in March next year, and violations of the DMA could result in fines equivalent to up to 10% of global sales.
Apple, however, also introduced a new fee system.
Previously, it has charged up to 30% of fees for in-app payments, but in the future, it will charge 5% of sales for the influx of new subscribers and charge a basic 10% fee in the name of fees for various services such as app distribution and management.
The intention is to charge fees for sales made outside the app, such as using app store services, instead of reducing 30% of commission revenue due to allowing “link-out.”
EJ SONG
US ASIA JOURNAL
