Apple is battling the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia (FAS), which aims to force developers to inform customers of other payment methods aside from Apple’s in-app option, according to The Verge. Apple has now requested a judicial review of the case.
The FAS had initially set September 30 as the deadline for Apple to change its policy, but the company failed to do so even though it was threatened with a fine, according to Engadget.
Apple currently requires iOS developers to use the in-app payment system, which enables Apple to make a 30 percent commission on all purchases. The company is “abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of apps through its App Store,” Russian regulators said at the end of October.
Apple bans developers from using any third-party payment alternatives that could interfere with the revenue it brings in from its own App Store.
“To give developers even more flexibility to reach their customers, Apple is also clarifying that developers can use communications, such as email, to share information about payment methods outside of their iOS app,” Apple representatives stated in a press release, according to The Verge. “As always, developers will not pay Apple a commission on any purchases taking place outside of their app or the App Store. Users must consent to the communication and have the right to opt-out.”
Russia is not the only country complaining about Apple’s in-app payment policies. The company also faced pushback from the U.S. last September when a federal judge issued a ruling that forced Apple to permit developers to send customers to external payment systems, according to Reuters. Apple tried to delay the ruling and appealed the injunction, but the court ultimately denied those requests. Apple now has until this Thursday to comply with the ruling.




