That’s correct, Apple wrote the rules so that the commission is due on digital items consumed in the app rather than physical items.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Dutch Regulator Says Apple Shouldn't Force Dating Apps to Offer Separate App for Alternative Payments
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Does Microsoft have a million indie developers? Do Microsoft indie developers make the same as apple indie developers?
Seems to me there is a difference in the business model if the App Store.
The Netherlands is nothing really. The only relevant company they have after Shell and Unilever quit, is ASML.
And I wonder why ACM doesn’t fine ASML for having a literal monopoly position and earns billions doing this?
Except in the cases where Apple says that doesn’t apply. I consume books in the Kindle app on my iPad Pro and Apple doesn’t get a cent for that. Same with the content I watch in the Netflix app. I guarantee you if Apple thought it could take 15% or 30% of every Uber/Lyft transaction or every time someone uses an app to order food they would in a heartbeat.
You keep saying that without explanation or source. Can you explain the distinction? Independent regulators in the US are certainly a part of the government.
You don’t purchase kindle books or Netflix subscriptions in the iOS app. If you did, apple would take their commission.
"The ACM said it also has concerns about a number of other requirements set by Apple, such as forcing dating apps to choose between the App Store's standard in-app purchase system or alternative payment systems. The competition regulator has previously said that dating apps must be able to offer both options in the Netherlands."
This would leave the with just one option.
I think Apple should just stop allowing the dating apps to exist in the AppStore. Inform all users of the App(s) that they should move to the web version, show them how to make a web shortcut, and call it a day.
If someone has time, please educate this guy: murco.mijnlieff@acm.nl
Instead of writing your comments here, you can educate him on how app development works and the dangers of letting them mix in-app purchases with 3rd party purchases.
Instead of writing your comments here, you can educate him on how app development works and the dangers of letting them mix in-app purchases with 3rd party purchases.
Regulators… Government… The result is the same: old, white dudes making decisions that effect the Dutch citizens. ?
so the easy way is to have them say prostitution is legal and apple can not block an prostitution app (maybe need to force them to add an adults only app store zone) also prostitution is an physical goods / service like uber so they can't take an cut out of it.
Right, but if Apple pulls the option for all developers, what can the ACM do? Unless Dutch law can compel a private company to offer a service.
Well, it does apply. Can you buy a book directly from Kindle app? Can you buy/renew subscription for Netflix from the app? (well, Netflix is pretty specific in this case, and I would say nasty. You can buy subscription from device using apple payment system if you are new customer, all existing customers must renew on netflix website)
So if you are just consuming bought things inside app, but you have no buy system in the app, you are just fine. Apple gets zero $$$.
Anyway, Apple rules are a bit complicated, and let's hope they make them simpler. But if you have a time here you go:
App Review Guidelines - Apple Developer
The App Review Guidelines provide guidance and examples across a range of development topics, including user interface design, functionality, content, and the use of specific technologies. These guidelines are designed to help you prepare your apps for the approval process.
Dutch regulators can raise the issue to the European Commission. Then Apple would be faced with either complying or defying the whole EU.
They have probably much more than that, if you count-in all the Games and Software that has been build and distributed from outside the MSStore and all the free developer commits to free software that runs on Windows.
The Netherlands will be perfectly fine without the €50 m fine, GDP is close to a trillion now.
Right, Apple should just force the issue. Force them to outline the conditions under which they will permit companies to do business within the EU. Apple can then adapt their business to comply and move on. The EU is probably still a big enough market for them to stick around.
Businesses comply with the law, they don't make it. If politicians are unhappy, they are the ones with the power to make changes - to business rules, tax laws, etc. That applies to both sides of the pond.
Apple already does business in China, which is an incredibly restricted market. I'm sure they would be willing to comply with whatever the EU wants.
Last edited:
When you use your phone to "order" an Uber or food delivery, you are not purchasing the goods or services from Uber or the food delivery service. The drivers are independent contractors that are running an errand for you. Have to pay a subscription fee to the food delivery service? You can bet your arse Apple is taking a cut of it.
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) is an independent regulator that champions the rights of consumers and businesses.
Not sure where the money goes, I should investigate, government and ACM are not the same as you can read in the above (English) link.
Yeah, any business has to decide whether the cost to benefit ratio is there, that includes Apple. Once costs get too high, an easy option is to pull dating apps from it’s store in the Netherlands and tell them just to use Safari/ Web Apps where the user can select any payment option they like. No security/ compliance/ UX concerns going forward.
Given Apple has added notification support for Web Apps, devs are going to have a hard time convincing people that they have no options reaching users on iOS.
ACM is making assumptions. Developers are required to submit a Netherlands-only app binary, and ACM describes this as those developers needing to "build a new app" from scratch. That couldn't be further from the truth. A developer just duplicates their existing app and makes a NL copy with the additional requirements. If they correctly organize their code, they can still use shared libraries between these two versions, so there's minimal code duplication.
Silly regulators making decision about things they don't understand.
Silly regulators making decision about things they don't understand.
I read that page before I asked you the question. It doesn't say that it's not part of the government.
Apps should be allowed commission-free payments if they want to handle it on their own, or the ability to distribute outside of the App Store if Apple doesn't agree