Apple will allow apps to receive payments on its own platform

In response to antitrust lawsuits filed against Apple, it changed its policies to allow certain media apps, including Spotify and Netflix, to create in-app links to sign up for services on the companies’ websites, rather than just through the app. Store.

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Services such as Spotify have already called Apple’s restrictions “unfair and anti-competitive,” wrote The Wall Street Journal. Apple said Wednesday that a new policy allowing “reader” apps – including multimedia apps such as subscription-based streaming services – to direct users to sign-up options outside the app store was implemented to end an investigation by the Japan Commission on . Fair Trade . Apple’s statement says the new rules will apply globally and go into effect “early next year.”

Apple vs. Fortnite: An epic battle rages

Meanwhile, Apple and Fortnite developers Epic Games, Inc. are still fighting in court over a similar case. Fortnite has filed an antitrust lawsuit against the iPhone maker, which takes as much as 30% of Fortnite’s revenue from in-app purchases.

The new link policy does not apply to in-app purchases of video games such as Fortnite, but only to subscription-based content services including magazines, newspapers, books, audio and video. “Because e-reader app developers do not offer in-app purchases of digital goods and services, Apple has agreed with the JFTC to allow e-reader app developers to provide a single link to their website to help users set up and manage their account,” Apple said in its statement .

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Even with the changes, Apple will still receive reduced subscription fees if users pay through the app rather than a web browser, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Apple antitrust lawsuits around the world

Multiple reports indicate that Apple also faces competition law challenges in South Korea and India.

In India, a non-profit organization called “Together We Fight Society” has filed a lawsuit with the Competition Commission of India, according to an exclusive report by Reuters. The organization says Apple’s fees of up to 30% increase costs for app developers and customers, harm competition and create barriers to entry for small businesses and startups, Reuters reports.

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The Wall Street Journal reported that South Korean President Moon Jae-in is set to sign legislation that would force Apple to open its app store to enable alternative payments and prevent companies like Apple and Google from forcing app developers to use their payment systems in applications. Apple will also have no right to delay app approval or remove apps from the marketplace once approved.

However, Apple says its App Store remains “the safest and most trusted payment method for users,” providing unmatched fraud and privacy protection, the WSJ reports.

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