Apple must allow apps to accept alternative payments, rules rule

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(Pocket-lint) – A U.S. judge has issued an injunction in the Epic vs Apple case, ordering the Cupertino giant to allow app developers to accept alternative payments, other than through Apple itself.

In the context of the Epic vs. Apple case, the ordinance indicates that Apple is “permanently restricted and ordered to prohibit developers from including in their applications and their metadata buttons, external links or other calls to action that direct customers to purchase mechanisms.” Basically, Apple can no longer force developers to only offer in-app purchases through Apple’s own currency system. They will be able to effectively bypass the fees paid to Apple per purchase (typically around 30%).

This was the main argument in the Epic case, with studio Fortnite being warned and then banned for offering discounts to fans if they purchased in-game currency outside of the iOS app.

The entire judgment can be seen here, as posted by The Verge. It could also have a significant impact on Google, which is also currently involved in its own lawsuit with Epic Games. It’s also about offering alternative payment methods and in-app links.

Interestingly, the decision also reveals that 70% of app store revenue comes from games. Therefore, while neither Apple nor Google can get as much benefit from in-app purchases, we wonder if there will be any significant changes in the way certain apps are introduced. future.

Time will tell on this front. For now, this could be the big first step in getting Fortnite back on an iPhone and iPad. However, don’t hold your breath while you wait.

Written by Rik Henderson. Originally published on September 10, 2021.