Apple has announced additional changes on the App Store for dating apps in the Netherlands. The changes are introduced in compliance with the requirements of the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).
Since the start of this year, Apple and the ACM have been engaged in a tug of war to allow alternative payment links for dating apps on the App Store. Initially, the tech giant filed an appeal against ACM’s ruling, but, while waiting for the judgment, it allowed developers to add alternative payment links by creating and using a separate binary.
Unsatisfied with the previous changes, ACM imposed over $5 million weekly fines on the tech giant which had totaled $50 million by the end of March 2022. In the following month, Apple removed the separate binary requirement and proposed other changes. Apparently, that was not enough as well.
Apple released further updates on StoreKit External Entitlements for Dutch dating apps on the App Store
In the announcement on the Developers Forum, the company states that it has introduced further updates on the StoreKit External Entitlements for dating apps on the App Store in the Netherlands through discussion with the ACM.
- Developers of dating apps in the Netherlands can use the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement, the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement, or both entitlements.
- In accordance with the ACM’s wishes, we’ve made adjustments to the user interface requirements announced this past March for developers who choose to use either or both of the entitlements.
- We’ve adjusted the payment processing provider criteria for developers who wish to use either of the entitlements.
- The 3 percent commission discount also applies to in-app purchases that qualify for a lower commission rate (for example, App Store Small Business Program enrollees or subscription services after one year of paid service — both of which already qualify for a 15% commission).
However, the company also mentions that payments through App Store are “the safest and most secure way” to purchase digital goods and services. And developers who wish to continue with App Store in-app payment system will not have to implement any changes to their apps.
