The FAS demanded that Apple allow developers to specify alternative payment methods in the App Store
Apple has received a warning from the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia. It is connected with the ban on informing users about alternative payment methods in iOS applications. The FAS believes that the company is abusing its position in the market and demands to eliminate the violation by September 30.
The FAS saw in Apple’s policy “signs of abuse of a dominant position in the market of distribution of applications for iOS.” According to the service, the company’s actions may negatively affect competition and lead to an increase in prices for applications and services in the App Store.
The warning was issued after receiving complaints from users and application developers. As an example, FAS cites the purchase of e—books – they can cost less on the website of a certain service than in an iOS application.
The service explains this by the commission that Apple charges for each transaction in the App Store. However, due to the company’s policy, application developers cannot inform users about the availability of more profitable payment methods.
Information about the prohibition on specifying alternative payment methods is contained in paragraph 3.1 of the App Store Review Guidelines.
“Apple sees such information in any form. In particular, if there is a link to the developer’s/ service’s website in the application or a registration form with a link to the site in the browser. Apple does not allow applications with such characteristics in the App Store, requiring developers to remove links or change the functionality of the application so that the registration form does not lead to external sites,” the FAS statement says.
It is not yet known what punishment the company may face in case of refusal to comply with the requirements of the FAS.
Recall that last week Apple announced a relaxation of a number of App Store rules. In particular, the company will allow developers to inform users via emails about paying for in-game purchases outside of iOS. The new rules will come into force after the approval of the court.
