Posted by Julie Clover
Apple today updated its App Store rules to comply with anti-regulation regulations set by the European Commission. Music streaming apps such as Spotify are now allowed to include a link or purchase button leading to a website with information about alternative music purchasing options, although this is only permitted in the European Economic Area.
Music streaming services permissions: Music streaming apps in certain regions may use rights to music streaming services to include a link (which may take the form of a “Buy” button) to the developer's website that informs users of other ways to purchase digital music content or services. These rights also allow music streaming app developers to invite users to provide their email address in order to send them a link to the developer's website to purchase digital music content or services. Learn more about these rights.
Subject to rights agreements, a link may inform users where and how to purchase these in-app purchase items, as well as the price of such items. Rights are limited to use only on the iOS or iPadOS App Store in certain storefronts. In all other storefronts, music streaming apps and their metadata cannot contain buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchase mechanisms other than in-app purchase.
European In March, the Commission fined Apple $2 billion for anti-competitive behavior towards rival music streaming services. The fine also came with a demand that Apple “remove anti-steering provisions” from its App Store policies, which Apple has now done. Apple is prohibited from repeating the violation or engaging in similar practices in the future, although it is worth noting that Apple plans to appeal the decision.
Apple accused Spotify of manipulating the European Commission to comply with App Store rewritten in one's favor. “They want to use Apple tools and technologies, distribute them in the App Store and benefit from the trust we've built among users—and without paying Apple anything for it,” Apple complained after the ruling.
In addition to updating its music streaming rules, Apple today also added games from retro game console emulator applications to the list of permitted software permitted under Guideline 4.7. Guideline 4.7 allows apps to offer HTML5 mini-apps and mini-games, streaming games, chatbots, game emulators, and plugins.
Apps can offer certain non-binary software in particularly HTML5 Mini-Apps and Mini-Games, Streaming Games, Chatbots and Plugins. Additionally, retro gaming console emulator apps may offer game downloads. You are responsible for all such software offered through your application, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws.
Game emulators have managed to infiltrate the App Store several times in recent years using hidden features, but Apple has not explicitly allowed their use until now. The rule change to allow the use of game emulators applies worldwide, as does support for apps that offer mini-apps and mini-games.
Tags: App Store, App Store Review Guidelines, European Union, Spotify[ 153 comments ]
