Apple to Allow Certain Apps to Link External Websites for Sign Ups Settling Japan Investigation

Apple has announced that it will allow select apps to link external websites for sign ups, closing an investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission.

The update will allow developers of “reader” apps to include an in-app link to their website for users to set up or manage an account. While the agreement was made with the JFTC, Apple will apply this change globally to all reader apps on the store. Reader apps provide previously purchased content or content subscriptions for digital magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video.

Apple says developers can share a 'single link' to their website to 'help users set up and manage their account"' Before the change goes into effect in early 2022, the company's guidelines and review process will be updated.


“Trust on the App Store is everything to us. The focus of the App Store is always to create a safe and secure experience for users, while helping them find and use great apps on the devices they love,” said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow who oversees the App Store. “We have great respect for the Japan Fair Trade Commission and appreciate the work we’ve done together, which will help developers of reader apps make it easier for users to set up and manage their apps and services, while protecting their privacy and maintaining their trust.”

This change follows Apple's announcement last week of a News Partner Program that will drop commission rates for publishers to 15% if they provide content to Apple News.

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