Apple's Recent App Store Rule Changes

Apple has recently made significant changes to its App Store rules in the US following a court decision favoring Epic Games. The ruling prohibits Apple from blocking apps from directing users to external websites for purchases. As a result, Apple has updated its guidelines affecting apps distributed in the US App Store.

The changes require compliance with the court decision and have been reflected in updates to Guidelines 3.1.1, 3.1.1(a), 3.1.3, and 3.1.3(a). These adjustments mark a shift in how in-app purchases can be made on Apple devices.

Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple, filed in 2020, challenged the tech giant's control over in-app purchases. Subsequent court rulings have compelled Apple to allow developers to facilitate outside payment systems within their apps.

Despite allowing external links, Apple implemented measures such as taking a percentage cut and introducing "scare screens" to dissuade users from using external payment methods.

Additionally, Google has announced plans to implement age verification for app store access, and a new bill known as the App Store Accountability Act is being introduced to Congress.