Apple Requiring Patreon to Use In-App Purchase and Pay 30% Fee for Memberships

[applevisionpro]

The question is whether once an app has IAP, can they remove it without risking Apple blocking them? Are the app guidelines legally binding as written or can Apple deem such behavior as evading?

Also, if an app removes IAP, can the app still show the remaining account balance, messages to buy more credits, recommendations to buy through the website, and/or provide links to an unaffiliated e-commerce site (that isn't subject to Apple revenue sharing/audits)? I am assuming the first one is okay and the last one is not (putting aside the EU) and the others are in-between?

I believe at some point it wasnt allowed to provide links to unaffiliated e-commerce site although I think that changed recently in EU. But also I was only specifically addressing the claim that apps are not allowed to remove IAP.

 

[bzgnyc2]

I believe at some point it wasnt allowed to provide links to unaffiliated e-commerce site although I think that changed recently in EU. But also I was only specifically addressing the claim that apps are not allowed to remove IAP.

Yes, what I was trying to get at was what are the official rules, what are the de facto rules, and what was Patreon getting at? They may have explained the situation incorrectly but I am assuming there is something behind their position. Perhaps by removing IAP they didn't feel they could control their content creators in such a way that would comply with other app store rules?

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

Knowing Timmy Apple, he’ll find a way to let the customers pay if they’re fined by regulators. It’s time customers realize that Apple isn’t at the forefront of innovation anymore. Competition has kept up and copied apples ecosystem in a more friendly customer way (playing nice with other brands or way cheaper to achieve the same). Look at googles offerings in phones… it comes standard with on device AI for the whole range. While Apple promises something similar for next year (only the pro). By the time Apple is ready the competition will be introducing the next wave of possibilities. Apple is following the famous hockey puck these days while not having a glue where it’s heading it seems.

Yep, after 10 years on iPhones, I ditched it last year for the Google Pixel 8. And looking forward to seeing how the Pixel 9 is in the reviews when it comes out.

Still on my beloved 16" M1P MBP though. However, Apple keeps on dumbing down macOS and removing useful power features, much to my ongoing disgust. Not to mention the utterly mindblowingly ridiculous ripoff RAM/SSD upgrade prices (mine is 32GB/2TB, which a very grudgingly paid, laced with deep hatred for Tim Crook). If and when the competition can make something as good, then I will be gleefully taking a good hard look at it. I'm not holding my breath though, sigh.

Talking of RAM/SSD prices, I wanted to buy my son a new MBA to replace his 2015 model, which still works fine for now. However, in my book, the bloody thing is near on useless without at least 16GB/1TB, and once you add all that up, the value just isn't there for a more casual user. So yeah nah, no sale. That's what happens when you get too greed Mr Crook. I looked on Marketplace for a second hand M1 or newer MBA, but every single one of them has base RAM/SSD. I'm not bloody surprised. It makes me wonder how few people pay these stupid upgrade prices, and if it wouldn't be more profitable to actually lower them and raise demand!