Apple Relaxes App Store Rules in U.S. to Comply With Court Order

Apple has updated its App Review Guidelines for the U.S. App Store, opening new doors for developers to guide users toward external payment methods. These changes, announced on May 1st, stem from a court order and directly affect four key sections of the guidelines: 3.1.1, 3.1.1(a), 3.1.3, and 3.1.3(a). The updates are specific to apps distributed on the U.S. storefront and do not apply internationally.

What’s Changing for U.S. Developers

The biggest shift is around how apps can now include links, buttons, and calls to action that point users to outside payment options—something Apple previously blocked unless developers had a special entitlement.

For example, under the revised Guideline 3.1.1, U.S. apps showcasing NFT collections owned by other users are now allowed to link externally for purchases. Globally, this is still prohibited unless a developer is enrolled in a special program.

Entitlements No Longer Required for U.S. Apps

Guideline 3.1.1(a) is also getting a U.S.-only change. Developers no longer need to use entitlements like the StoreKit External Purchase Link or Music Streaming Services Entitlement just to include an external purchase link or button. Apps can now direct users to other sites without special approval—as long as they’re on the U.S. storefront.

More Freedom to Promote External Payments

Under Guideline 3.1.3, apps that use payment systems other than Apple’s in-app purchase can now promote those alternatives inside the app—again, only in the U.S. Previously, even if you didn’t use Apple’s system, you couldn’t actively steer users to another option inside the app.

Guideline 3.1.3(a), which deals with “Reader” apps like those offering books, magazines, or music, now clarifies that developers on the U.S. storefront don’t need the External Link Account Entitlement either. This means they too can add visible, actionable links to manage accounts or subscribe externally, without extra permissions.

Spotify Acts Fast

Spotify is among the first to respond, having already submitted an updated app to the App Store to reflect the new freedoms. The company has long been vocal about App Store restrictions, and this change is a win for platforms looking to manage subscriptions on their own terms.

What It Means Going Forward

This update marks a major shift in Apple’s U.S. App Store policy and shows how regulatory pressure can drive change. While the modifications are geographically limited for now, they give developers more flexibility and could influence future changes in other regions.

For more context on the legal case that triggered this move:
● [Court Bans Apple From Taking Commission on Web Purchases in Major Win for Developers]

These new guidelines give developers more control over how they connect users with their services—and could signal a broader evolution in Apple’s App Store policies.