Apple faces backlash over new app store policies

Apple on Tuesday updated its guidelines around cryptocurrency and nonfungible token payments, revising existing rules and clarifying its controversial stance that previously created confusion among users. — AP

LONDON: Apple came under fire on Wednesday over recent changes to its app store, with some tech giants accusing the company of using its market dominance to undercut rivals.

Spotify on Tuesday accused Apple of engaging in anti-competitive behaviour by using "complicated and confusing" rules on its app store to disadvantage competitors.

"Apple continues to disadvantage competitors, and the impact is huge — on consumers, app developers and, now, authors and publishers. I can't be the only one who sees the absurdity," Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said in a tweet.

The audio-streaming giant also claimed that Apple's 30% commission on all in-app sales prevents the company from displaying the prices of audiobooks on its app as it forces customers to request a payment link for the books via email.

Similarly, Meta criticised Apple's recent decision to charge a 30% commission on the sales of "boosts" for social media posts, which the tech giant claimed will affect promoted content on Instagram and Facebook by forcing the platforms to use Apple's own in-app payment system.

Earlier this week, Apple began displaying more ads on the iPhone app store. However, several users and developers have raised concerns about the volume of gambling ads appearing following the update.

Elon Musk, also expressed concern about Apple's recent changes to the app store, moves that he claimed will almost certainly affect Twitter.

Apple on Tuesday updated its guidelines around cryptocurrency and nonfungible token payments, revising existing rules and clarifying its controversial stance that previously created confusion among users.

Under the new rules, apps must use Apple's in-app purchase system to sell NFTs and related services, and "may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct consumers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase," the company said in a statement. – Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia/Tribune News Service