Apple has confirmed that its iPad operating system, iPadOS, will be getting the same changes to App Store rules that were announced earlier this summer for iOS. The changes, which are intended to address concerns raised by European regulators, are set to go into effect this fall.
The European Commission has been investigating Apple’s App Store practices for several years, following complaints from developers about the tech giant’s allegedly anti-competitive behavior. In response to these concerns, Apple announced in June that it would be making some changes to its App Store policies.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new feature called “Allow Developers to Communicate with Customers.” This feature will allow app developers to send information to their customers about alternative payment methods that are available outside of the App Store. This is a major departure from Apple’s previous rules, which required developers to use the company’s in-app purchase system and pay a 30% commission on all sales.
In addition to this new communication feature, Apple also announced that it will be allowing developers to challenge the company’s App Store guidelines. This means that developers will have a way to appeal if they believe that their app has been unfairly rejected or removed from the App Store.
These changes were initially announced for iOS, but Apple has now confirmed that they will also be coming to iPadOS this fall. This is good news for developers who create apps specifically for the iPad, as it means that they will also have more flexibility and control over how they can interact with their customers.
Overall, these changes represent a step in the right direction for Apple, as they address some of the concerns that have been raised by both developers and regulators. By giving developers more freedom to communicate with their customers and challenging App Store guidelines, Apple is demonstrating that it is willing to listen to feedback and make improvements to its platform.
It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the App Store ecosystem in the long term, but for now, developers can look forward to having more control over their apps on both iOS and iPadOS.
