Apple has confirmed a number of changes to its App Store Review Guidelines.
The changes come as a result of several controversies over the past couple of months and are designed to offer developers clarity on issues such as in-app purchases and streaming.
According to Apple, the new 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 guidelines will “add additional transparency”
Some of the biggest changes coming with this update are as follows:
- If apps involve the purchase of person-to-person experiences, such as real estate tours and personal training, methods other than in-app purchases can be offered.
- Reader applications can now offer account creation for free tiers.
- Free apps that are a standalone companion to paid web-based tools do not need to use in-app purchases, as there’s no purchasing inside of the app (see: WordPress).
- Streaming game services must adhere to all guidelines, with each game submitted for review on the App Store. This will impact Google Stadia and Microsoft XCloud.
- Streaming game services must allow users to pay for a subscription with in-app purchase and use Sign In with Apple. Games must be available as individual apps.
- App Clips notifications should be related to the functionality of your app, and all features from App Clips must also be available in the app’s main binary. App Clips cannot display adverts.
- Personal loans apps must clearly display all loans terms, and companies cannot charge a maximum APR higher than 36%. They may not require repayment in full in 60 days or less. These changes are in accordance with the military lending act.
Are you pleased with these changes? Read through the full list and check back soon for more.