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Apple said Wednesday it is changing App Store policies to allow certain types of apps to do business more directly with their customers.
Under the change, so-called reader apps, which include Netflix and Spotify, will be allowed to add a link to their apps to direct users to set up or manage their accounts on the individual company’s website instead of the App Store.
This will allow these companies to avoid paying the traditional 30 percent fee Apple charges when people pay for things like subscriptions in the App Store. Apple had long blocked companies from redirecting users to their own websites, which would have deprived it of the 30 percent cut. These reader apps “provide pre-purchased content or content subscriptions for digital magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music and video,” according to the company.
Apple said the change is related to a deal with the Japanese Fair Trade Commission, which is investigating the tech giant’s App Store policies.
Phil Schiller, Apple executive who runs the App Store, said in a statement He said the change will help “make it easier for developers of reader apps to install and manage users’ apps and services while protecting their privacy and maintaining their trust.”
The tweak will go into effect early next year. Apple is under increasing pressure for App Store rules.
Last week, the company announced a similar change It said it will set up a $100 million fund for small app developers and as part of a legal agreement with app manufacturers. Last year, Apple cuts the fee in half allows the smallest app developers to pay through the App Store.
The company is also awaiting a judge’s decision in its antitrust legal battle against Fortnite creator Epic Games. sued Apple in May He claimed that he abused his power over the App Store. If Epic wins, companies can avoid Apple’s commissions.
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