Apple updates app store rules to allow external payment after court ruling

Apple has updated its App Store Guidelines to allow developers to direct users to external payment options.

The update follows a US court ruling in favour of Epic Games, which ordered Apple to allow apps to redirect users to external websites for digital purchases.

The company has also added an exemption for apps on the US storefront that allows external links to non-App Store payment options.

“The App Review Guidelines have been updated for compliance with a United States court decision regarding buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps,” Apple said in a blog post.

“These changes affect apps distributed on the United States storefront of the App Store."

Plan to appeal

Epic Games' 2020 lawsuit challenged Apple's control over in-app transactions. After losing its appeal, Apple began allowing external payment links but still took a 27% cut and used warning “scare screens.” 

This week’s ruling ordered Apple to stop using those screens, and the company has already removed related guideline language.

Apple cannot delay the decision but has said it will appeal, according to The Verge.