Apple has released new guidelines for app developers in the Netherlands
Regulators throughout the world are expanding their scrutiny of Apple and Google. The issue at hand is whether or whether the fees charged by both companies to app developers on their respective app stores, particularly for in-app purchases, are reasonable.
Apple was ordered by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) to accept third-party payment methods on its iOS App Store following recent litigation. Apple appears to have figured out a method to profit from this as well.
Apple charges third-party in-app payments
Apple states that it will charge “a fee on transactions” from developers that use third-party in-app payment systems in a recent notice that reflects an upgrade to the iOS store in the Netherlands. This conclusion is consistent with the ACM’s order, according to Apple.
There’s no word on how much this commission will be, or if it’ll be cheaper than the IAP fees charged by Apple itself. Both Apple and the ACM have yet to provide clarity on the matter.
When it comes to app purchases, Apple will not give up its share even if the payment is made on a platform other than Apple’s own. When developers use Apple’s IAP system to make purchases, it would make sense for Apple to charge less than it gets from them. Otherwise, the only ones who would be spared from the ACM orders are the app users, who would be able to use payment methods other than those provided by Apple. All purchases made by developers would still be subject to an Apple cut.
To comply with the ACM’s earlier directive to enable Dutch dating-app providers to utilise other payment mechanisms, Apple has implemented its new guidelines. As stated by the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), Apple violated competition rules by requiring developers to use its own payment mechanisms.
Apple has until January 15 of this year to implement the necessary improvements to its App Store in China. There was the potential for a punishment of up to 50 million euros if Apple had not made the necessary improvements. As outlined in a blog post, app developers who wish to accept third-party payments on their iOS apps now have a new set of guidelines.
There are still some important details to be revealed, such as how much Apple charges developers for their services. In addition to this, the business says that developers who choose to utilise an alternative payment system must also give help to customers. Apple “will not be able to assist consumers with refunds, payment history, subscription management” and other difficulties of this nature, the document states plainly. Apple
Both Apple and Google were ordered in South Korea to make third-party app payments an option for app creators, and Apple has followed suit. According to the decision, Google has agreed to charge developers 11% instead of its customary 15% share if they use an alternative billing method. Apple appears to be going the same way at the moment.
We’ll have to wait and see if this is enough to satisfy developers who want the commission abolished completely.
