Apple announced that it will allow third-party payment options for in-app purchases of dating apps in the Netherlands, also for the first time in Europe. In a message on its developer's website late Friday, Apple announced that it would comply with a ruling by the Dutch Consumer and Market Authority (ACM), which calls for a third-party payment service to pay for in-app purchases. The move would circumvent Apple's 15% to 30% commission on in-app purchases.
To comply with ACM's orders, Apple is introducing a pair of "entitlements" that allow developers to implement their own third-party payment options in the Dutch dating app.
In order to comply with ACM's orders, we are introducing two optional new entitlements, a dating app specifically for dutch app stores, giving users additional payment processing options. Dating app developers who want to continue using Apple's in-app purchase system can do so without taking further action. Before considering applying for one of these rights, it is important to understand that some of the App Store features you may be using will not be available to your customers, in part because we are unable to verify the security and reliability of payments made outside of the App Store's private and secure payment systems. Because Apple will not have direct access to purchases made using alternative methods, Apple will not be able to assist users with refunds, purchase history, subscription management, and other issues encountered when purchasing digital goods and services through these alternative purchase methods. The app developer and its partners will be responsible for resolving such issues with the customer.
Apple added that it disagreed with ACM's ruling, arguing that it was "not in the best interests of its users" and had appealed the ruling to a higher court. Specifically, Apple explained that it is "concerned that these changes will harm the user experience and pose new threats to user privacy and data security."
Apple highlighted the benefits of its own payment system to developers, and the company's first-party payment options are still available.
Apple has designed the App Store as a safe and trustworthy place for people to discover and download apps. Apple's in-app purchase system is an integral part of our world-class commerce platform, which provides people with a private and secure user experience across apps and Apple devices, and enables them to easily manage their purchases and orders for digital goods and services.
ACM said Apple imposed "unreasonable conditions" by prohibiting the free choice of payment methods for apps. Apple has been warned that it must allow dating apps to offer third-party payment options by Saturday, January 15, or face fines of up to 50 million euros ($57 million). Apple added that it will soon provide further information on the mandatory changes.
