Stripe has introduced a new solution enabling iOS developers to bypass Apple’s App Store commission fees by integrating external payment links within their apps. This development follows a recent court ruling in the Apple-Epic antitrust case, where Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized Apple for not adhering to a previous injunction that allowed such external payment options.
The court’s decision mandates Apple to permit developers to direct users to external websites for purchases, challenging the company’s longstanding 30% commission structure. In response, Stripe has provided documentation guiding developers on setting up Stripe Checkout links within their apps. This setup redirects users to a secure, Stripe-hosted payment page, offering a more cost-effective alternative to Apple’s in-app purchase system, which charges a 30% fee (or 15% for certain apps under specific programs).
While integrating Stripe’s solution requires additional setup and maintenance compared to Apple’s default in-app purchases, it presents a significant opportunity for developers to retain a larger share of their revenue. Stripe’s standard processing fees are 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction, substantially lower than Apple’s rates.
The developer community has responded positively to Stripe’s announcement, with many expressing enthusiasm for the newfound flexibility in payment processing. This move is seen as a pivotal step toward more equitable revenue models within the iOS ecosystem.
Source: (Techcrunch)
