Apple Alerts Indian App Creators About New RBI Rules
Hey developers! Apple just gave you the low‑down on fresh regulations coming into play in India. If you’re building apps on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any Apple platform, you’ll want to read this carefully.
What’s the Deal
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is tightening the reins on auto‑renewal subscriptions. From October, banks, financial institutions, and payment gateways will need a clear “yes” from users before pulling any auto‑renew fee and pushing it onto their credit or debit cards.
Apple’s Suggested Workaround
To keep things running smoothly (and avoid headaches later on), Apple recommends that developers:
- Shift the billing flow to Apple ID‑based payments. This means the user’s Apple ID credits the subscription—no card touch.
- Make sure the subscription contract clearly states that auto‑renew is powered by the user’s Apple ID. Transparency is key.
- Keep the user informed: a simple message or banner reminding them that the renewal is going on their Apple ID balance.
Why Switch?
With the RBI’s new rule, any missed or bounced card transaction could lead to uncertainty and complications. Using Apple ID bypasses the card gateway entirely; the payment goes straight through Apple, reducing the on‑us side friction.
Get Ready for October
By the time the month rolls around, you’ll need to:
- Audit your in‑app purchase flows to identify any auto‑renewals that are still card‑based.
- Implement Apple ID payment mechanisms if you haven’t yet.
- Update your user agreements and subscription terms to reflect the change.
- Test the new flow in a sandbox to ensure smooth operation during the rollout.
In short, think of Apple ID payments as a “no‑card‑mess” solution. Smooth, user‑friendly, and compliant with the RBI’s fresh mandate.
Payments through Apple ID not subject to regulation
New Rule: Get the Green Light Before You Grab the Card
The Reserve Bank of India has thrown a hammer on how we do transactions: any move now needs your explicit OK before the merchant charges your account. Think of it as the bank’s own version of sit‑down, kiss, or flash‑sale – but only with your thumbs‑up.
How the Approval Works
- Transaction Notification – You’re pinged with a quick alert that a payment is pending.
- Additional Factors of Authentication (AFA) – The bank may ask for a second step: a tap code, a voice prompt, or a tiny “I’m not a robot” check.
- e‑Mandate – A digital “I’ve signed on this” that locks in the transaction before the bill hits your statement.
All of this must happen before the money actually rolls out of your account. The idea? Prevent abuse, keep fraudsters guessing, and make sure you’re in the know.
Apple ID: The One That Slides Past the New Rules (For Now)
Apple’s wallet, accessible via Apple ID, is treating payments like a smooth‑sailing coach. Users can load funds from:
- Debit card or credit card
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
- Net Banking
- RuPay
Right now, the Apple Pay infrastructure – the one that’s turned heads in the US, UK, Australia, and Japan – hasn’t rolled out in India. But that’s a no‑dry‑spirit campaign for developers to encourage users to adopt Apple ID for seamless, hassle‑free payments.
Why It Matters
When banks reject transactions that fail to meet RBI’s new guidelines, Apple ID payments still glide through. So, if you’re buying that latte or the latest headphones, you might just end up paying via Apple, being the hero of the day.
Bottom line: with RBI tightening the grip on approvals, Apple ID is still the Californian cheat code that lets you get your spend without the bureaucratic tangle – at least for now.
