Apple has made changes to its App Store guidelines, allowing developers to include links to alternative payment platforms within their apps. This new rule is only applicable to the iOS and iPadOS App Stores in the US, and developers must apply for a special entitlement to enable this option to link to payments outside of the app.
Apple in-app link purchasing template for outside payments
There are some conditions to consider, as Apple will take a 27% commission on each payment made outside of the App Store, which is slightly less than the regular 30% Apple App Store tax. Additionally, developers are still required to offer Apple’s in-app purchase system in their apps. However, developers who are part of the App Store Small Business Program are entitled to a 12% commission.
Apple has also provided specific guidelines on how outside payment screens and links to websites should look and behave as part of the StoreKit External Purchase Link API. Furthermore, Apple will display warning screens when apps attempt to redirect users to outside payment platforms, reminding them that the company is not responsible for purchases made on the web.
Apple “in-app system disclosure sheet”
App Store Review Guidelines Section 3.1.1(a)
- Developers may apply for an entitlement to provide a link in their app to a website the developer owns or maintains responsibility for in order to purchase such items.
- As per the entitlement agreement, the link may inform users about where and how to purchase those in-app items and that such items may be available at a comparatively lower price.
- However, this entitlement is only valid for use in the iOS or iPadOS App Store in the United States.
- In all other app storefronts, apps and their metadata must not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action directing customers to purchasing mechanisms outside of in-app purchases.
