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Apple reaches another App Store settlement, this time with Japanese regulators

In the space of two weeks, Apple has announced as many legal settlements. The latest involves the Japanese Fair Trade Commission regarding the App Store. As a part of the settlement, Apple will give “reader” app developers the ability to link to their own websites for customers to manage their accounts.

This change is not immediate and is expected to take effect in the early part of 2022, but crucially will be applied globally and not just within Japan.

It is also important to note that this mandated change will not only apply to “reader” apps, but applications that involve any kind of purchased media that resides within a cloud computing environment. As such it extends beyond digital newspapers, magazines and books, and includes music, audiobooks and video content, which means the likes of Netflix, Spotify, Audible and Dropbox would have the newly mandated functionality.

“Before the change goes into effect in early 2022, Apple will update its guidelines and review process to make sure users of reader apps continue to have a safe experience on the App Store. While in-app purchases through the App Store commerce system remain the safest and most trusted payment methods for users, Apple will also help developers of reader apps protect users when they link them to an external website to make purchases,” the company added in a press statement.

“This update follows a number of changes to the App Store announced last week, which give developers more flexibility and resources to reach their customers, tailor their price points, and grow their businesses. Last week, Apple also launched the News Partner Program to support local journalism and help news organizations on the App Store,” it continued.

With the App Store coming under increasing scrutiny over the way it deals with developers and customers alike, this likely won’t be the last settlement that Apple makes this year.

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