Apple introduced on Thursday a brand new API referred to as the Advanced Commerce API to help extra in-app buy codecs, similar to subscriptions and content material add-ons. The firm added that it’s not altering the fee construction to help these use instances.
“The App Store facilitates billions of transactions yearly to assist builders develop their companies and supply a world-class buyer expertise. To additional help builders’ evolving enterprise fashions — similar to exceptionally giant content material catalogs, creator experiences, and subscriptions with non-compulsory add-ons — we’re introducing the Advanced Commerce API,” the corporate stated in an announcement.
In an accompanying help doc, Apple expanded on the use instances 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 a giant library of one-time purchases with frequent updates, similar 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, similar to further channels, sports activities, or regional content material, bought as renewable buy.
Last 12 months, Apple requested creator platform Patreon to change to the App Store billing system for creator content material or danger being booted out. In response, the corporate stated it’s going to begin slowly migrating to Apple’s fee system for its iOS app and can full the method by November 2025. Apple’s resolution to debut a brand new API may very well be to help use instances like Patreon’s higher.
After the EU compelled Apple to permit different fee 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 the world over. Plus, it launched a manner for builders to supply reductions to clients with lapsed subscriptions.
