Apple introduced on Thursday a brand new API referred to as the Advanced Commerce API to assist extra in-app buy codecs, comparable to subscriptions and content material add-ons. The firm added that it isn’t altering the fee construction to assist these use circumstances.
“The App Store facilitates billions of transactions yearly to assist builders develop their companies and supply a world-class buyer expertise. To additional assist builders’ evolving enterprise fashions — comparable to exceptionally massive content material catalogs, creator experiences, and subscriptions with optionally available add-ons — we’re introducing the Advanced Commerce API,” the corporate stated in an announcement.
In an accompanying assist doc, Apple expanded on the use circumstances and the eligibility of apps and builders to use for this program throughout three broad classes. Apple stated the primary use case is apps which have an enormous library of one-time purchases with frequent updates, comparable to audiobooks or programs; the second use case is apps including creator-led content material the place customers should purchase entry to that content material as a one-time or renewable subscription; and the third use case is customers shopping for add-ons inside a subscription service, comparable to extra channels, sports activities, or regional content material, offered as renewable buy.
Last yr, Apple requested creator platform Patreon to modify to the App Store billing system for creator content material or threat being booted out. In response, the corporate stated it is going to begin slowly migrating to Apple’s cost system for its iOS app and can full the method by November 2025. Apple’s resolution to debut a brand new API might be to assist use circumstances like Patreon’s higher.
After the EU pressured Apple to permit different cost processing and third-party app shops on the platform, the corporate has been making an attempt to create extra worth for builders to remain inside Apple’s ecosystem. The firm began permitting retro sport emulators internationally. Plus, it launched a means for builders to supply reductions to prospects with lapsed subscriptions.
