Apple has made significant changes to its U.S. iOS App Store policies by allowing developers to direct customers to a non-App Store purchasing option for digital goods. This move comes after Apple’s legal battle with Epic Games, in which a court order required Apple to allow developers to inform customers about alternatives to in-app purchases. Developers will need to apply for a StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement to offer this option, and Apple will continue to collect a commission on purchases made through these links. The commission fee ranges from 12 to 27 percent depending on the type of purchase and length of subscription. The changes only apply to the U.S. App Store. Critics, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, argue that Apple’s new 27 percent commission on web purchases is anticompetitive and eliminates price competition.
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/01/16/us-app-store-alternative-purchase-option/