The App Store administration has begun displaying a warning banner on the pages of applications that use third-party payment systems. Several users have reported noticing the new label, which highlights the use of external transactions that bypass Apple’s standard payment methods. The message reads: “This app does not support the private and secure App Store payment system. It uses external purchases.” The banner is accompanied by a warning icon, drawing attention to the potential risks associated with such payments.]
The banner is part of Apple’s broader response to recent legal requirements and serves to inform users that they are making purchases outside of Apple’s “private and secure” ecosystem. According to Apple, this is an important distinction, as external systems may not offer the same level of data protection or transactional security. We’ll keep you updated as more apps adapt to these changes or as new integrations become available.
Court Ruling Drives Change in Payment Policy
The appearance of this banner follows a legal dispute between Apple and the game publisher Epic Games. As a result of the court’s decision, Apple was compelled to allow the use of third-party payment systems within apps distributed through the App Store. The ruling also eliminated the requirement to pay a fee for offering alternative payment methods.
While Apple has complied with the ruling, the company has made it clear that it disagrees with the decision and has filed an appeal, adds NIX Solutions. In the meantime, developers in the U.S. App Store are now permitted to include links and buttons for external payments without seeking prior approval from Apple. This marks a significant shift in App Store policy, particularly for digital services that have long criticized Apple’s commission structure.
Major Platforms Embrace External Payments
Some well-known companies were quick to respond to the changes. Spotify, Patreon, and Epic Games have already implemented or announced plans to switch to external payment systems to avoid App Store commissions. These moves indicate that developers are eager to reduce dependency on Apple’s in-app purchase framework and explore more flexible revenue models.
As the situation continues to evolve, and as more developers adjust to the new policies, we’ll keep you updated on further developments and the broader impact this may have on the App Store ecosystem.