Across the United States and internationally, Apple has been embroiled in a lengthy dispute regarding the App Store, payment systems, and similar issues. A key area of contention has been Apple’s restriction against third-party payment methods, but now the popular gaming emulator Delta may pave the way as the first app in the U.S. to enable external payment links.
Delta features an in-app payment link via Patreon
John Voorhees reports for MacStories:
This is a significant development that extends beyond the new features for Delta users. Riley Testut, the app’s developer, states that Delta is the first app he knows of to incorporate an in-app link for purchases outside the App Store, using Apple’s External Purchase Link Entitlement introduced in January. As far as I know, no other app has utilized the External Purchase Link Entitlement in the U.S. yet, but if there are others, Delta certainly stands out as the most prominent.
Delta, a well-known game emulator, has faced its share of controversy in the App Store in the past. However, it appears to be the first U.S. app granted approval for Apple’s new In-App Purchase alternative.
Apple outlined this specific entitlement in January, allowing them to still take a percentage of revenue, albeit reduced—particularly for developers in Apple’s App Store Small Business Program.
The guidelines for the ‘External Purchase Link Entitlement’ have been published by Apple on their developer website.
To qualify for this entitlement, an app must:
- Be available on the iOS or iPadOS App Store in the U.S. storefront;
- Offer in-app purchases when distributed through the iOS or iPadOS App Store in the U.S. storefront; and
- Not participate in the Video Partner Program or News Partner Program.
This final requirement excludes streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+, as well as news outlets like The New York Times from taking advantage of this entitlement. Nonetheless, it opens up opportunities for a variety of other apps within the App Store.
It’s encouraging to see Apple becoming more accommodating with App Store payment systems. It will be interesting to observe how many additional apps apply for and receive this special entitlement, which seems particularly beneficial for indie developers like Testut.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s new App Store payment policy? Share your feedback in the comments.
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