Among the changes, dating-app developers in the Netherlands can choose whether they want to offer an alternative payment method combined with Apple’s in-app purchases. Previously, developers had to choose either an alternative payment method or Apple’s. Another change coming with the update is that the user interface has been adjusted to make the options clearer to both developers and users. Apple has also adjusted the payment-processing-provider criteria for developers who wish to use either of the entitlements. And now, the 3% discount on in-app purchases also qualifies for the App Store Small Business Program or recurring subscriptions longer than one year.
Following complaints from the Dutch government last month, Apple changed its App Store standards on Friday, claiming that the company’s steps to allow dating applications to utilise other payment methods on the App Store were “insufficient.” Despite the adjustments, the corporation has disputed the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets’ ruling (ACM). According to a statement to developers, the business is making “further modifications” to comply with the Dutch regulator’s demand that dating applications be able to accept payment methods other than the App Store’s in-app purchases system.
Highlights
We don’t believe some of these changes are in the best interests of our users’ privacy or data security. Because Apple is committed to constructive engagement with regulators, we’re making the additional changes at the ACM’s request. As we’ve previously said, we disagree with the ACM’s original order and are appealing it. More details about the changes announced by Apple for dating apps in the Netherlands can be found on the Apple Developer website.
Apple again updates App Store guidelines to comply with Dutch government requirements. Despite these recent changes, which had to be complied with due to local law in the Netherlands, Apple says that it strongly disagrees with the ACM’s decisions. More specifically, Apple says it doesn’t believe the App Store changes imposed by the Dutch regulator are intended to protect users’ privacy and data security. At the same time, Apple says it is appealing against the original order of the Dutch regulator regarding dating apps on the App Store.
