Nuked Apple published a new version of its app store rules that allow local dating apps to take payments through third-party processors. Until now, its proposals had not satisfied the Netherlands authority for consumers and markets (ACM) and earned Apple 50 million euros worth of fines.
Apple previously said it would allow dating apps to use alternative payment systems. Developers would have to submit a separate app binary for the Dutch app store.
Apple is giving up on its insistence on a separate binary for apps that see outside payment systems. The change means developers may include entitlement in their existing dating app, but still must limit its use to the app in the Netherlands storefront and on devices running iOS or ipados.
Apple’s post for developers still says’we disagree with the ACM’s original order and are appealing it’. Apple will still collect that 27 percent commission on transactions for apps that link out or use a third-party payment system.
Apple will charge a 27 % commission on the price paid by the user, net of value-added taxes. This is a reduced rate that excludes value related to payment processing and related activities.
Developers will be required to provide a report to Apple recording each sale of digital goods and content that has been facilitated through the app store. This report will need to be provided monthly within 15 calendar days following the end of Apple’s fiscal month.
The ACM said on Monday that its next step is to present the policy to’market participants for consultation’. If they accept the terms, Apple may avoid an escalation in fines.
Dispute with Dutch competition regulator is limited in scope, and concerns just one kind of software on the app store. Eu’s digital markets act could require support for external payment processors in all apps after it goes into effect this fall.
