Apple has revised its App Store guidelines in the United States, now allowing developers to include links within their apps that direct users to external websites for purchasing subscriptions or digital goods.
Highlights
The policy change follows a U.S. court decision involving Epic Games, which found that Apple could no longer prohibit developers from guiding users to off-platform payment options.
In an official blog post, Apple confirmed, “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.”
The company stated that it is implementing the changes in accordance with the legal mandate, while also continuing to contest the ruling.
Legal Dispute with Epic Games
The policy shift stems from a 2020 lawsuit filed by Epic Games, which challenged Apple’s control over in-app payment systems.
In 2021, the court issued an injunction that restricted Apple from blocking developers from including alternative payment options. Although Apple sought to delay implementation through appeals, the company has now complied with the final court order after exhausting its legal options.
While Apple had previously allowed limited use of external links, it maintained a 27% commission on transactions made through those links and required developers to display pop-up warnings.
These disclosures—criticized by some developers—have now been addressed in the updated ruling, which mandates their removal and restricts Apple’s control over the messaging surrounding external purchases.
Apple has not yet clarified whether it will maintain its commission structure under the new rules. The company has been asked for further comment.
Revised Guidelines for External Payment Links
Apple has set specific requirements for how developers can implement external payment systems:
- External links must take users directly to the developer’s own website with no intermediate redirects.
- The links must open in the device’s default browser and cannot operate within the app itself.
- Each app can include only one link to an external payment page, placed in a single, clearly designated location.
- Developers must provide a disclosure informing users that they are leaving the App Store environment.
- External payment systems must be Level 1 PCI-compliant and offer dedicated customer support for payment issues.
Commission and Reporting Requirements
Under the current structure, Apple will continue to charge a commission on external payments:
- A 27% fee applies to transactions made within seven days after a user clicks an external payment link.
- Developers participating in the App Store Small Business Program will be charged a reduced 12% commission.
- Monthly reporting of transactions and corresponding remittances to Apple are required from developers.
Legal Implications and Criticism
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized Apple’s previous implementation of the court order, particularly its use of pop-ups and fees, suggesting it may have violated the spirit of the injunction.
The judge referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential review. Apple maintains that it will continue to appeal the ruling, signaling ongoing legal proceedings.
Reports indicate that Apple executives, including CEO Tim Cook, were advised internally to comply more directly with the injunction but did not act on the guidance at the time.
The updated rules are already influencing major developers. Spotify, which has long opposed Apple’s in-app payment restrictions, has submitted a new version of its iOS app that includes links to external subscription options.
Patreon is also planning updates to support external payments, and Epic Games has announced the return of Fortnite to the U.S. iOS App Store, pending Apple’s approval.
These developments may contribute to a more competitive and flexible app marketplace, as developers gain greater control over how they monetize their services.
The situation could further intensify regulatory interest in Apple’s App Store policies, both in the U.S. and internationally.
