Important news is coming for those of us who use Apple devices in Europe: due to the entry into force of the DMA, Apple now allows developers to include External links in your appsThese links can be used for purchases, subscriptions, or any other transaction that the developer wants to offer to monetize their work. Of course, with a commission for Apple.
What a torrent of changes Apple was forced to implement with the European DMA setback, the relationship of its citizens with the iPhone changed completely. Alternative stores to the App Store from which to download new software, release of NFC for payments other than Apple Pay and parallel transactions. Not only that, now we have a novelty: developers can link to purchases outside the official iOS store.
More freedom to link promotions and lower commission for Apple
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
The changes introduced by Apple to its ecosystem of devices come after it was designated as a gatekeeper by the European Commission, first for the iPhone and then for the iPad. Following this designation, European users have witnessed a liberation that was unthinkable a few years ago. We can even officially install applications without going through the App Store.
While this is a great advantage for users, this does not mean that developers have an easier job, since the requirements imposed by Apple are maintained in the case of alternative app stores. Although it continues to be open-minded, as has happened with promotions within apps.
As is already evident on the developers’ website, those who wish to make purchases with links outside the App Store can now do so – as long as they live in Europe, of course. The so-called «Link out for purchases» or «External link for purchases» enables the freedom to include links to external sites to purchase subscriptions, items or any other benefit upon payment. To summarize:
- Apple allows including external purchase linksDevelopers may direct their users to alternative app stores or websites to make purchases related to the app or service.
- Greater freedom of communicationApple introduces flexibility for developers to include offers outside the App Store, including pricing information.
- New commissions for purchases through external links. All sales made through external links will have a lower commission than purchases made through the App Store.
- Mandatory transparencyApple will require the developer to properly inform the user that transactions will be made through its platform and not Apple’s.
The commissions that Apple will receive will depend on the volume of business and the downloads that the developer has. With the change due to external links, a initial acquisition fee and a reduced fee of the store services. These rates are as follows:
The changes for developers in Europe will be active from today, August 8, and will go into effect for European users next fall. They will apply to apps downloaded on devices running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, and watchOS 11.
Cover image | Ivan Linares