Apple Allows Spotify, Netflix, And Amazon To Post Links To Their Websites Within Their Apps

JAKARTA - Apple will allow services like Netflix and Spotify to add links to their apps that send users to different websites to make payments, avoiding app store commissions.

This is not just a music and movie service, as Apple will allow any app that offers subscriptions to other content such as digital magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and videos.

The move is part of Apple's agreement with the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTP), which applies to apps that 'do not offer in-app digital goods and services for purchase'.

According to the Daily Mail, the policy is the result of action in Japan, and Apple confirmed it will make changes to app stores worldwide. This will not be available automatically, as developers will need to request access to the External Link Account Ownership program before being able to add app links.

This will allow app developers who offer subscription services to avoid commissions of between 15 and 30 cents or around IDR 15 to 30 thousand that the tech giant charges for using its payment system.

However, Apple will still take a cut of the money generated from in-app sales. So, if Netflix offers a way to subscribe within the app, they will pay Apple a discount.

Apple first announced the policy change seven months ago and is now gearing up to introduce the change by opening access to developers on its website.

Google has also launched a program that aims to test third-party billing systems inside Android, to give users the option to pay outside of the Play Store.