The Netherlands, through its Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) regulator, has forced Apple to offer an alternative payment system for in-app purchases on the country’s dating apps. The company was also forced to allow third-party payment systems in South Korea.
While this looks likely to hurt Apple’s bottom line, the company promises it won’t happen.
Apple explains on its support page that the IAP system is just one of three payment methods it plans to offer. Developers can also redirect users to websites to complete purchases or use third-party payment systems. Either way, Apple strives to earn a commission regardless of the payment method used.
In short, Apple will comply with regulators’ orders, but it will figure out another way to collect a cut from developers. It might build a system to track those purchases and then earn money from the developers themselves.
