Tech Tip: These Applications Are Now Able To Sidestep Apple’s In-App Payment System

Apple users are beginning to find ways to exit the iPhone maker’s so-called “walled garden.” For years, Apple prevented app developers from telling users how to pay for subscription or services outside of its iOS App Store.

Some apps pushed back—it’s why you couldn’t subscribe to Spotify directly through the app.

That changed last month, when U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a sharp ruling against Apple that could significantly alter how payments work in the iPhone app ecosystem.

The judge ordered Apple to dismantle the restrictions that made its payment system the only option for in-app digital purchases. She also mandated that developers be allowed to include links to alternative payment methods and communicate directly with users about deals and offers within their apps. Additionally, she prohibited Apple from introducing new fees on purchases made outside its App Store.

Several companies, including Spotify, acted swiftly to take advantage of the judge’s ruling by rolling out app updates.

Here’s how iPhone users in the U.S. can start benefiting from the new changes:

Spotify

Previously, Spotify users had to visit the company’s website to pay for a music streaming subscription. This was because Spotify had removed in-app payments in protest of Apple’s policy that required digital subscriptions to be purchased through iOS apps, with Apple taking a commission of up to 30%.

Now, after a recent update to its U.S. app, Spotify says users “can finally see how much things cost within the app, including subscription pricing and details on money-saving promotions.”

Spotify listeners can now browse different subscription options and see their prices directly in the app. Free users looking to upgrade to a premium plan can do so by tapping a button in the app, while current premium users can easily switch plans the same way.

Additionally, Spotify announced that users can now view and purchase individual audiobooks directly within the app. Premium members can also buy extra audiobook listening time once they’ve used up their 15 free hours each month.

Epic Games

Gamers have reason to celebrate. Five years after Apple removed Fortnite for attempting to implement a direct payment method to bypass the App Store, the popular game has returned to iOS.

The return seemed uncertain after Apple initially declined to approve Fortnite’s update, but the company reversed its decision this week, allowing U.S. users access again. Fortnite is also available once more in the European Union, where alternative app stores have been required since last year.

Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, showcased the updated app’s new payment options, enabling players to purchase V-bucks—the in-game currency used for character cosmetics like outfits, weapon skins, and dance moves called “emotes.” One payment button uses Apple’s in-app system, while the other directs to Epic’s own payment platform, which rewards players with up to 20% more V-bucks.

Kindle

Amazon has updated its Kindle app to include a button that allows users to more easily purchase books directly from their iPhones.

Before this update, users could only search for books and download samples within the app but had no option to buy directly. To make a purchase, they had to open a web browser, log into their Amazon account, or buy through a Kindle device.

Now, readers in the U.S. can simply tap the new ‘Get Book’ button in the Kindle iOS app, which Amazon says will take them straight to their mobile web browser to complete the purchase.

“We regularly enhance our apps to ensure we offer customers the most convenient experience possible,” Amazon said in a statement.

Patreon

If you support creators online by paying for their podcasts, videos, music, or other content on Patreon, you can now choose to avoid Apple’s fees when subscribing.

Patreon’s iOS app has been updated so that U.S. fans buying memberships can skip Apple’s checkout, which charges a 30% fee, and instead use Patreon’s own payment system.

With the new app, fans can pay directly through Patreon by tapping the Join button. Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, or Apple Pay. The option to use Apple’s in-app purchase system—which includes Apple’s fees—is still available but less prominently shown below the Join button, as seen in screenshots on Patreon’s site.

This update currently only applies to U.S. users. However, creators outside the U.S. with U.S.-based fans will also benefit from the new payment choice.

Patreon mentioned that, following Apple’s feedback, it will eventually move this alternative checkout process to an external browser to keep avoiding Apple’s extra fees.

Read the original article on: Tech Xplore

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