Filipe Espósito, writing for 9 to 5 Mac:

After several complaints from developers, Apple has just made a major announcement in which the company confirms that it will finally let developers redirect users to sign up for services on websites instead of using the App Store’s in-app purchases system.

The announcement comes after an investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), which had been looking into Apple’s anti-competitive practices since 2019. The company confirmed to the press on Wednesday that as part of the settlement with the JFTC, developers will be able to tell users that they can sign up and manage service subscriptions through an external website.

This is a step in the right direction. But it only effects “reader” apps — an arbitrary line in the sand that seems to be the bare minimum simply to get regulators off Apple’s back.

This option should be available to all developers regardless of what category Apple decides to place your app in.

➝ Source: 9to5mac.com