In a statement published on its website, Apple said, “To ensure a safe and seamless user experience, the App Store’s guidelines require developers to sell digital services and subscriptions using Apple’s in-app payment system. 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 accounts.”
Apple will allow “reader” apps to have an in-app link to their own websites where subscribers can manage their accounts
U.S. lawmakers are trying to make the Open App Markets App the law
Despite the new rules, companies like Spotify and Netflix, which have both stopped accepting new subscriptions from the App Store to avoid the so-called “Apple Tax,” still will not be able to sign up new subscribers directly from their iOS apps without paying Apple. Netflix refused to leave a comment to The Wall Street Journal while Spotify said that it would have to evaluate the changes. The music streamer added that the new guidelines would not fix all of the problems it has with Apple.
Apple has been making some changes to the App Store to deflect the heat on it from global lawmakers
Phil Schiller, the Apple Fellow who is in charge of the App Store said on Wednesday, “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. We have great respect for the Japan Fair Trade Commission and appreciate the work we’ve done together, which will help developers of reader apps make it easier for users to set up and manage their apps and services, while protecting their privacy and maintaining their trust.”
