Apple has begun accepting requests from reader app developers to allow customers to use external links to sign up and manage their accounts outside of the App Store. The company also changed its dating app policy in the Netherlands after it was criticized by Dutch regulators.

With the App Store Review 3.1.3(a) update, reader app developers can now request access to an external link account permission. This right allows reader apps to link to a website owned or maintained by the developer so that users can create or manage their account outside of the app.

However, to qualify for this right, apps cannot offer in-app purchases on iOS or iPadOS or allow people to sign in to an account along with a few other requirements.

In regards to changes to Apple's dating app policy imposed by regulators, Dutch developers can now:

continue to use Apple's in-app purchase system,

use a third-party payment system in the application,

nclude a link in the app that directs users to the developer's website to make a purchase.

Finally, Apple is removing the requirement that Dutch dating app developers who choose to exercise the above rights must create and use a separate binary. This change means that developers can include any entitlement in their existing dating app, but must still restrict its use to the app on the Netherlands storefront and devices running iOS or iPadOS.

Applications that will use these permissions must include a warning that users are about to make purchases through an external payment processor, as well as an explanation of how this choice may affect the user.

Earlier, the European Union announced the consideration of a bill according to which IT giants will be required to implement support for alternative app stores. To a greater extent, the initiative concerns Apple. Representatives of the company have already expressed concern about the new solutions and questioned the safety of this approach.

bbabo.Net