Apple App Store guidelines remove ban on encouraging external payments in US

Scope of Apple’s Change (US-Only)

• Guidelines now allow US App Store apps to encourage external payments and use external links without special entitlements.
• Many see this as narrow, “malicious compliance” with a court order designed to preserve Apple’s legal position and revenue while it appeals.
• Several argue that if Apple applied the change globally it would undermine its claim that the injunction is unjust or uniquely US-specific.

Regulation, Antitrust, and “Free Markets”

• Commenters frame this as a textbook example of Big Tech stretching illegality as long as fines < profits, with courts and regulators always a step behind.
• Some say a US antitrust loss this strong legitimizes EU‑style intervention and undercuts the “EU vs US protectionism” narrative.
• Long subthreads debate whether “free markets” are meaningful without active antitrust enforcement; many argue unregulated markets naturally trend toward monopoly/cartel.

Developer Economics and Payment Control

• Apple’s 30%/15% cut is widely criticized as unjustified rent, especially when external processors charge far less.
• Some developers welcome Apple’s IAP for its global coverage and single API; others say it’s painful to integrate, inflexible, and blocks fair pricing and refunds.
• There’s concern that the requirement to use IAP for unlocking in‑app features still stands, keeping Apple’s core power intact.

Consumer Protection vs Choice

• Supporters of Apple’s control highlight easy refunds, unified subscription management, and fear of scams with arbitrary processors.
• Opponents counter that credit card chargebacks already provide protection, Apple bans accounts for chargebacks, and users should be free to trade convenience for lower prices.
• Several expect many apps to steer to cheaper web payments while leaving Apple IAP as a premium, optional path.

Broader Ecosystem and Alternatives

• Some want multiple app stores or true sideloading instead of just external payment links.
• Others argue the App Store’s gatekeeping has improved app quality versus Android, but acknowledge Apple invited regulatory backlash by overreaching.