Apple continues to tweak App Store rules to quell critics

Apple protected customers from more than $1.5 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions in 2020

In response to criticism, Apple continues to tweak its App Store business model and has announced plans to permit what it calls “reader apps” link to an external website to set up or manage an account beginning starting next year.

What is a ‘reader app’?

Reader apps aren’t what they sound like. It’s a category description for apps that provide previously purchased content or content subscriptions for digital magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video. Conceivably this would include Netflix or Spotify.

Because developers of reader apps do not offer in-app digital goods and services for purchase, Apple agreed with the JFTC to let developers of these apps share a single link to their website to help users set up and manage their account.

When will the change take place?

Apple has reached the decision to close an investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), but plans to apply the change globally.

Before the change goes into effect in early 2022, Apple will update its guidelines and review process. The company stresses its opinion that in-app purchases through the App Store remain the safest and most trusted payment methods for users. However, it also says it will “help” developers of reader apps protect users when they link them to an external website to make purchases.

“Trust on the App Store is everything to us. The focus of the App Store is always to create a safe and secure experience for users, while helping them find and use great apps on the devices they love,” said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow who oversees the App Store.

Perhaps we’ll get better experiences with apps like these?

Chipping away the criticism

The update follows a number of changes to the App Store announced last week, which give developers a little more flexibility and the all-new News Partner Program.

“With the update announced today, the App Store continues to evolve to be an even better marketplace for users and developers alike. Already, Apple provides more than 30 million registered developers with all the tools, resources, and support they need to create and deliver software to over a billion customers around the world on Apple platforms,” the company said in its press release.

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