Apple will allow alternative payment in systems for App Store developers in South Korea, to comply with a new law. The law, which was introduced in August 2021, forces companies like Google and Apple to allow third-party payment systems in their respective app stores.
Google had already agreed that it would provide an alternative payment system in the Play Store, with a reduced commission fee. However, Apple had not confirmed how it would comply. As per Korea Herald, the company has now shared plans with the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) regarding its introduction of alternative payment systems.
South Korea might be the first country to see alternative payment systems in Apple’s App Store
This would be the first time that Apple would be allowing alternative payment systems in its App Store. Just like Google, Apple also plans to charge a reduced fee on alternative payments. However, the company does not have a timeline for launch yet as it will be discussing its solutions with the KCC first.
Apple gave the following statement to The Korea Herald:
“We look forward to working with the KCC and our developer community on a solution that benefits our Korean users. Apple has a great deal of respect for Korea’s laws and a strong history of collaboration with the country’s talented app developers. Our work will always be guided by keeping the App Store a safe and trusted place for our users to download the apps they love.”
Apple has been facing scrutiny regarding its App Store policies in other countries too, and has even been asked to allow alternative payment systems as a result of the Epic v Apple lawsuit. It seems inevitable that the payment change will eventually be made available to App Store developers globally.
Until that happens, it will be interesting to see the domino effect that this App Store change might have around the world with regulatory authorities. Once the change is in effect in South Korea, other countries will be quick to ask Apple and Google to implement alternative payment systems for their locations too.
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