Apple on Friday proposed new changes to the App Store policy. This happened in response to complaints from the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM). Apple previously made commitments to allow dating apps to use multiple payment systems, but the regulator concluded at the beginning of last month that Apple did not yet comply with European and Dutch rules.
The issue revolves around dating apps such as Tinder, Lexa and Bumble. For example, if users of those apps take out a subscription, the payment is processed by Apple. The makers of those apps want other parties to be able to process payments in Apple’s mobile operating system iOS. They also hope to be cheaper, because Apple asks a 30 percent commission on those payments.
In accordance with the wishes of the ACM, Apple now wants to make it possible for dating app developers in the Netherlands to choose whether they want to offer an alternative payment method in combination with Apple’s in-app purchases.
In a statement, Apple said “a number of changes, according to the company, are not in the best interests of users’ privacy and data security.” The company will adjust the policy at the request of the ACM, but will lodge an appeal.