Across the United States and globally, Apple has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict regarding the App Store and its payment practices. A significant point of contention has been Apple’s ban on alternative payment methods, but now the well-known game emulator Delta could become the first app in the U.S. to enable external payment options.
Delta now features in-app payment link via Patreon
John Voorhees from MacStories notes:
This is a substantial development that transcends the new functionalities for Delta users. Allegedly, according to the app’s creator, Riley Testut, Delta is the first app in the U.S. App Store to integrate an in-app link that permits users to make purchases outside of the App Store, utilizing Apple’s External Purchase Link Entitlement introduced in January. I have not encountered any other app in the U.S. employing the External Purchase Link Entitlement, but even if there is, Delta undoubtedly stands out as the most prominent app to use it.
Delta, a popular game emulator, has previously faced its fair share of App Store controversies. However, it might now be the first app in the U.S. to gain approval for Apple’s new alternative to In-App Purchases.
The specific entitlement was initially announced by Apple in January, allowing the company to maintain a portion of sales while offering a reduced cut—particularly for developers in Apple’s App Store Small Business Program.
Apple has outlined the guidelines for its ‘External Purchase Link Entitlement’ on its developer portal.
To qualify for this entitlement, an app must:
- Be accessible on the iOS or iPadOS App Store specifically in the United States;
- Provide in-app purchases when distributed via the iOS or iPadOS App Store in the U.S.; and
- Not participate in the Video Partner Program or News Partner Program.
This last criterion excludes streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ as well as news platforms like The New York Times from enjoying these benefits. Nonetheless, it opens the door for numerous other App Store applications to take advantage of it.
It’s encouraging to observe Apple adopting a more adaptable approach to App Store payments. We’ll see how many additional apps will apply for and receive this special entitlement, which seems particularly beneficial for indie developers like Testut.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s new App Store payment permissions? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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