The Apple App Store had a rule that services couldn’t point users to outside signup pages, thus making sure they used Apple’s in-app subscription system. However, Apple has relented on that rule, now allowing certain types of apps to link outside to signup pages.
For the longest time, Apple’s policy stated that companies couldn’t link to outside signup pages, as that would allow them to get around Apple’s fees. Thanks to the Japan Fair Trade Commission, Apple has relaxed that rule for what it calls “reader” apps. “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,” Apple said in a release.
