It's part of the Japanese Fair Trade Commission's Deal with the Tech Giant.
Developers of "reader" apps can now seek access to the External Link Account Entitlement in order to create a link to their websites, according to Apple. For those who don't know, reader apps are apps that provide users with digital material such as audio, video, newspapers, books, and more, according to Apple's description.
The primary goal of this modification is to make it easier for customers to manage their existing accounts and even establish new ones via the websites of such apps. There are a lot of features that are only available on an app's website, in case you didn't know. For example, Netflix's app versions still do not allow users to reset their account passwords. As a result, this additional ability may be useful.
Netflix, Spotify, and other comparable services will now be permitted to include a link in their iOS apps that directs customers to their own websites for account management and payment. Apple now permits "reader" app developers to link to a website that they control. Reader apps are apps that "offer previously purchased content or content subscriptions for digital periodicals, newspapers, books, radio, music, and video," according to the tech giant.
As part of a settlement with the Japan Fair Trade Commission, Apple stated last year that it would allow select media services to include in-app links. Because the apps "do not offer in-app digital products and services for purchase," the business consented to the restriction.
While the adjustment was made in response to the JFTC's probe, Apple will now apply the new policy to all reader apps worldwide. However, before they can create in-app links, developers must first request access to the External Link Account Entitlement program. While the shift allows developers to avoid paying Apple a 15 to 30% cut, Apple will continue to receive commissions on purchases made within the app if the service offers them.
Google also recently established a trial program in Android to test third-party billing systems, allowing customers to pay for services using either Google's or the developer's payment system.
Starting later this year, Spotify, one of the apps testing the capability, will offer subscribers both Google's and its own pricing systems side by side. Even if the consumer opts for the service's own billing system, Google will still receive a cut, although it will be less than the 15% commission the internet giant generally receives for subscriptions.
