After an extensive legal battle, Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, emerged victorious against Apple in a US court decision. The ruling stated that Apple cannot prevent apps from including links or buttons that direct users to external websites for purchases. Consequently, Apple is set to revise its App Store policies in the United States as a result of this verdict.
Developers will now have the capability to incorporate external links within their applications, allowing users to purchase subscriptions or digital goods directly. This change enables developers to bypass Apple’s payment system entirely. These modifications stem from an update to the App Store Review Guidelines aimed at aligning with the court’s ruling.
The legal confrontation began in 2020 when Epic challenged Apple’s stringent regulations on in-app purchases. In 2021, a judge granted an injunction obligating Apple to permit developers to redirect users to alternative payment methods. However, Apple initially resisted by imposing a 27% cut and implementing pop-up warnings, known as “scare screens,” that attempted to dissuade users from leaving their payment ecosystem.
This week’s legal decision eliminates Apple’s ability to interfere with external linking, impose additional fees, or issue warning messages to users. The court reinforced that developers must be free to guide users toward third-party payment solutions. While Apple intends to comply with this order during the appeal process, the current regulations offer developers significantly more flexibility.
Looking ahead, further changes may be on the horizon for the App Store in the U.S. A proposed legislation, the App Store Accountability Act, could mandate that Apple and Google require age verification before users can access their app stores. If passed, this law would signify a considerable shift in how app distribution operates today. On a different note, Tsveta, a technology enthusiast and playwright, merges her passion for mobile technology with her writing.
She emphasizes the impact of compact devices in everyday life, offering insightful perspectives on gadgets and smartphones through her unique experience in travel and storytelling.