Apple's $100M settlement lets devs tell users about alt payment options using contact info from iOS app, but still won't allow adding the info inside the app
Developers can email you about payment options that bypass Apple's cut — A proposed agreement between Apple …
The surrounding coverage shows Apple differentiating between communication and distribution: a separate web-signup change appeared to exclude apps that generate substantial revenue for Apple, underscoring why the location of a payment prompt matters as much as whether it is allowed.
First-order effects
Developers may use customer contact details obtained through their iOS apps to promote external payment options, giving them a direct channel beyond Apple’s purchase flow.
Apple retains control of the app interface because developers cannot place those alternative-payment details inside iOS apps, limiting the visibility and immediacy of the new channel.
Second-order effects
Developers seeking to shift purchases off-platform must build email and other outbound communications into their customer strategy rather than rely on in-app conversion.
Apple’s later guideline update turns the settlement’s contact permission into an App Store policy requirement, while the narrower web-signup treatment preserves differentiated rules for higher-value apps.
Third-order effects
The settlement points to a platform-governance model in which Apple can concede developer-to-customer communication without surrendering control over the transaction interface.
If that distinction persists, disputes over App Store economics will increasingly turn on placement rules and user-routing rights, not only on the platform’s percentage cut.
The trend: App-store payment policy is shifting toward limited off-platform choice while platforms retain control over the in-app path to purchase.
Apple PR has been doing confusing announcements recently lol You still can't link to other payment methods in-app, only email customers about them. https://twitter.com/...
Interestingly, although it's separate from Apple's legal battle with Epic, the same judge — YGR — will need to approve the settlement. It also very clearly attempts to answer some concerns about steering raised during trial. Tip @Techmeme https://www.cnet.com/...
man, this is just not a real win for developers. you can *maybe* communicate with your users about alternate payment options, but you still can't do any of this in the app! https://www.theverge.com/... https://twitter.com/...
But this ‘no solicitation’ rule is in all the antitrust proposals and an important part of the Spotify case - the Spotify iOS app isn't allowed to tell you how to get an account.
How does “clarifying” translate to more flexibility?? “To give developers even more flexibility to reach their customers, Apple is also clarifying that developers can use communications, such as email, to share information about payment methods outside of their iOS app,” https://…
Exactly 👇and why steering within the app is a likely remedy coming. Although only a handful of apps can pull that off and get customers to not use IAP. https://twitter.com/...
Some nuance. You apparently cannot have the alternative payment option in the app (eg bitcoin). You have to email the user and route him outside of it. Clunky. But first step. https://twitter.com/...