Jul 02, 2024
Apple has been compelled to make some changes to the App Store, allowing developers to offer alternative payment options in their apps. With the confirmation that Apple Vision Pro will be released soon in Europe, Apple has announced that alternative payment options will also be available on the visionOS App Store.
Apple stated that developers working on visionOS apps will be able to sell content using alternative payment methods rather than the App Store’s in-app purchase system, provided they are using visionOS 1.2.
Apple confirmed: “Alternative payment options are now supported starting with visionOS 1.2 for apps distributed on the App Store in the EU.” Apple Vision Pro pre-orders started on June 28 in France, Germany, Australia, Canada, and the UK. The headset is set to be officially available from July 12 in these countries.
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Developers have already been able to offer alternative payment methods in their iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps for users in the EU.
Instead of charging users through the App Store, users are directed to an alternative payment platform or webpage to complete their payments. However, developers still have to pay Apple a fee for external transactions.
Previously, Apple released the second beta of iPadOS 18 for developers, which implements similar changes to the App Store on the iPad that were earlier applied to the iPhone. These changes include App Marketplaces, alternative payment options, and third-party browser engines.
However, the European Commission is not satisfied with the changes Apple has made and has indicated that the company will be fined if it continues to violate the law.
