Apple modified its iOS App Store rules after a U.S. District Court decision

The court ordered Apple to drop its payment fees on purchases outside the App Store and eliminate its restrictions on external payment links.

A U.S. District Court has adjusted Apple's iOS App Store rules following a ruling in the Epic Games antitrust case. The court ordered Apple to drop its payment fees on purchases made outside the app and remove restrictions on external payment links.

According to the updated guidelines, Apple apps will now allow users to be redirected to secondary NFT marketplaces and external payment methods.

The court found that Apple violated a prior order by limiting developers' ability to direct users to external websites. This ruling follows a 2021 decision where a judge ordered Apple to cease blocking developers from notifying users about alternative payment options.

After the ruling, Apple moved to eliminate the requirement for apps to use its proprietary in-app payment system for subscriptions and other purchases. The updates also allow apps to display links to NFT marketplaces and permit users to purchase NFTs through an external platform.

Apple's New Policies Support NFT and Crypto Innovation

The updated policies allow developers to list and transfer NFTs inside the app but purchases must be made outside the app. The modification intends to promote innovation so that innovative crypto-native applications can enter the iOS platform.

OpenSea and similar apps that were previously restricted now allow users to browse third-party NFTs. However, Apple still restricts the use of applications to mine cryptocurrencies or distribute token rewards.

The updated policies, which come into effect on December 1, also prohibit applications from ICO issuance or internal generation of cryptocurrencies. Moreover, Apple restricts iOS devices from mining crypto.

The NFT and cryptocurrency sectors have welcomed the court’s decision and Apple's revised policies. Experts believe these developments could foster innovation to allow developers to create mobile applications that interact with digital assets. This follows a similar trend in the tech industry where major players such as Google have eased their NFT restrictions in mobile apps.

Tech Companies Vs Regulators

Apple retains several restrictions despite the new opportunities under the court’s decision. Apple has expressed dissatisfaction with the decision and has vowed to appeal. In a show of defiance, Apple has only made the modifications on the U.S. App Store.

The court decision shows the increased tension between major tech companies and regulatory authorities. Major tech companies such as Apple continue to face challenges about their app store policies due to the shift in the legal landscape. This decision represents a major step in discussion about app store fees as well as developer freedoms in the digital asset space.