Apple’s App Store Shake‑up
For years Apple’s App Store has been the battlefield for massive tech titans—think Epic Games, Microsoft, and Meta—each poking at Apple’s ordering system for a slice of the digital pie. The biggest flashpoint? The stubborn ban on third‑party payment links that made even the most bullish investors go “uh‑uh.”
Why the Fuss?
- Apple kept a tight grip on how you pay inside its apps, taking a hefty fee.
- Big‑name developers felt it was a money‑hoarding chokehold.
- Regulatory bodies in the US and abroad started sending warning flashes.
The New Play
According to 9To5Mac, Apple is finally tying up its hands. The first app in the United States slated to shine with external payment support is none other than Delta—yes, the beloved game emulator that lets you run old console classics on your iPhone.
Delta will sprinkle its offers with direct links to outside payment platforms. Apple’s gotten a new tool: the External Purchase Link Entitlement, which lets developers point customers toward third‑party payment systems—but only within the guidelines set by Apple.
What It Means for Gamers
- No more “App Store fees” when buying downloadable content.
- Possibility to use the payment method that best fits your wallet.
- For now, it’s Delta’s playground, but the rest of the app ecosystem is keenly watching.
Bottom Line
Apple might be taking a step back to appease regulators, but the tech world eagerly awaits when the rest of the App Store can finally follow suit. Until then, let’s keep cheering on Delta and hope the next giant in the line of stalls gets the green light.
External Purchase Link Entitlement for Small Businesses
Apple’s Big Win for Indie App Developers
Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Apple has just rolled out a fresh policy that’s going to make a huge difference for the small business folks building apps in the App Store Small Business Program. Let’s break it down in plain English.
What’s the Scoop?
- New “External Purchase” Link: Apple is giving small devs the option to set up a link that directs users to purchase outside the Apple ecosystem.
- Smaller Tax on Sales: Instead of the usual high cut, developers can now pay a slimmer fee on their sales figures.
- July — September Earning Boost: In the next quarter, sales made via these external links are taxed at a lower percentage than normal.
Why It Matters
Think about it: if you’re a solo entrepreneur or a tiny team rolling out an app, every cent counts. With this new arrangement, your revenue stays a bit higher, giving you more room to invest in features, marketing, or simply enjoy a well-deserved coffee break. It’s a win‑win for the creativity engines powering the App Store.
How to Get Started
Here’s a quick cheat sheet on what you need to do:
- Navigate to your Apple Developer portal.
- Find the “External Purchase Link” section under the Small Business Program.
- Set up the link, tweak the pricing, and watch the tax calculations adjust.
- Launch your updated app and start reaping the rewards.
Bottom Line: More Revenue, Less Hassle
Apple is basically saying, “We’ve noticed that you’re hustling hard to bring something new to the app world, and we’re cutting you a break.” For developers, this means a leaner financial model that keeps more of the dough in their pockets.
So, if you’re an indie dev on Apple’s platform, don’t miss out on this opportunity. Sweeten your revenue curve today!
Delta Game Emulator App for iPhone – Apple’s New Playbook for Developers
Apple’s latest rule‑change is shaking its app ecosystem about. The External Purchase Link Entitlement program outlines three quick checks to see if an app can roll out its own in‑app payment system without paying Apple’s usual commission.
What the rules say
- Be listed in the U.S. App Store (for iPhone and iPad).
- Offer in‑app purchases when you let U.S. users download through the App Store.
- Refrain from joining the Video Partner Program or the News Partner Program.
Apple is banking on these tweaks to ease pressure from regulators and to make the platform a little more “flexible.” They’re basically saying, “We’re giving you a back‑door to charging customers directly, so you won’t have to pay that hefty % fee for every purchase.”
Who stands to gain
If you’re a developer with a small or medium‑sized operation, treat this as a win‑win. Indie creators, niche game studios, and services that rely on embedded sales will see a noticeable lift in revenue.
Big streaming names? Not so much.
The current format is a mismatch for giants like Disney+ and Netflix. Their business models are built around full‑price subscriptions, not micro‑transaction in‑app fees. So, they’re unlikely to be affected by this tweak.
What’s happening next?
It’ll be interesting to watch how users react. Will they appreciate the smoother checkout experience? Or will they suspect a hidden paywall? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, developers are already updating their submissions to match the new guidelines — a small not‑so‑inconvenient chore that could bring big rewards.
