In South Korea, Apple now Permits Apps to make use of Other Payment Processors

For these transactions, Apple will charge a fee of 26%.

Apple said that it has begun allowing developers to utilize other payment methods for apps in South Korea. It made the change to adhere to a new rule in the country that mandates that big app shops accept alternate payment methods. However, Apple is still deducting a fee from app transactions, albeit slightly less. Developers must make a unique version of their apps for the Korean App Store if they want to use methods other than Apple's exclusive payment system. Four South Korean payment providers, KCP, Inicis, Toss, and NICE, have received Apple's approval; any other suppliers must submit a request for approval via the company's developer website. Family Sharing and Ask to Buy won't be available, and Apple disclaims all liability for subscription management and refunds. After initially contesting the law, Apple finally conceded to lower its customary 30 percent commission to 26 %. That effectively mirrors Google's Play Store compliance measures, which were published immediately after the rule was made public and included a 4% commission discount. Since Epic Games sued Apple for removing Fortnite from the App Store, Apple has been subject to criticism of its rules. US Senate bills that have been presented would compel Apple to permit iOS app sideloading as well as additional measures. Apple last year released a 16-page study outlining its case for maintaining a closed ecosystem. On Thursday, Apple published more information about how it will permit developers to include third-party payment processors in their South Korean-distributed apps. Developers who want to provide an alternate payment processing option in South Korea must use the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement, which is akin to what occurred in the Netherlands, where Apple created a unique entitlement for dating applications that provide alternative payment ways. While developers are still free to use Apple's in-app purchasing system, apps that accept alternative payment methods must be updated specifically for the South Korean App Store. In addition, Apple mentions that some apps won't support certain features like Ask to Buy and Family Sharing. Additionally, the business will not be accountable for managing subscriptions or issuing refunds. Developers will still be required to pay Apple a commission for each sale made via an alternate payment method, but there will be a 4 % reduction. The user will pay using an alternative method that is not approved by Apple, and this information must be made clear in the app. Apple must first verify the developer's request to utilize a new payment processor. Fill out a request form on the Apple Developer website if you want to submit an app with an alternative payment mechanism to the South Korean App Store.