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Tag: app store

  • Apple Is Not a Fan of ChatGPT Apps

    Apple Is Not a Fan of ChatGPT Apps

    Developers looking to incorporate ChatGPT into their iOS apps are in for a rude awakening when they submit them to the App Store.

    Companies large and small are embracing ChatGPT, with app developers looking for innovative ways to use the AI tech. According to The Wall Street Journal, however, Apple is proving to be a major impediment to that innovation.

    The developer behind the BlueMail email client incorporated ChatGPT to help users write emails. Unfortunately, Apple rejected the update, saying the new version needed content warnings.

    “Your app includes AI-generated content but does not appear to include content filtering at this time,” Apple told the developer last week in a message seen by the Journal.

    Whereas BlueMail’s age restriction is currently 4 years old, Apple told the developer the restriction would need to be increased to 17.

    “Apple is making it really hard for us to bring innovation to our users,” said Ben Volach, BlueMail co-founder.

    To make matters worse, Volach says there are many other apps featuring ChatGPT functionality that have not been slapped with the 17-year-old age restriction.

    “We want fairness,” said Volach. “If we’re required to be 17-plus, then others should also have to.”

  • Former App Store Editor: ‘Apple Doesn’t Care About Games’

    Former App Store Editor: ‘Apple Doesn’t Care About Games’

    Former App Store Editor Neil Long has disappointing news for mobile game developers, saying, “Apple doesn’t care about games.”

    Long served as an App Store Editor, giving him a behind-the-scenes look into how Apple’s processes work. Unfortunately, the picture he paints in an article in The Guardian is less than flattering, saying Apple is pocketing billions without making the necessary re-investment in the App Store.

    Long lists a number of early game hits and then makes the case that Apple was unprepared for its newfound success:

    So what did Apple do next? Nothing really. It seemed to create a whole new games ecosystem by accident, and ever since has presided over it like a contemptuous landlord. It takes a tasty 30% cut of almost every in-app purchase while doing next to nothing to earn that fee. Recent privacy policies – including the introduction of that “ask app not to track” pop-up you will have seen again and again – have even actively harmed the mobile games business.

    Apple’s issues are especially apparent during the app review process:

    The woefully understaffed team of app reviewers couldn’t handle the volume of games coming through – and seemingly still can’t today. Ask any staffer at a mobile game studio and they’re guaranteed to have an app review horror story involving their game being repeatedly rejected for an arbitrary reason, or removed from sale entirely. Developers are being treated with contempt.

    Long also takes aim at the plague of copycat apps that so many game developers have to deal with, arguing that Apple could and should have improved the situation through further investment:

    Apple could have reinvested a greater fraction of the billions it has earned from mobile games to make the App Store a good place to find fun, interesting games to fit your tastes. But it hasn’t, and today the App Store is a confusing mess, recently made even worse with the addition of ad slots in search, on the front page and even on the product pages themselves.

    App developers have increasingly grown tired of Apple’s stewardship of the App Store, pushing for more freedom regarding how they publish their apps and make money off of them. Reading Long’s take on the condition of the App Store — especially for game developers — one comes away understanding developers’ plight a little more.

  • Biden Administration Takes Aim Apple and Google’s App Stores

    Biden Administration Takes Aim Apple and Google’s App Stores

    The Biden administration is taking aim at Apple and Google’s mobile app stores, representing perhaps one of the biggest challenge they have yet faced.

    Apple and Google control the two largest mobile app ecosystems and have increasingly come under legal and regulatory pressure for their duopoly. Some countries have even begun to pass legislation requiring the two companies to allow third-party apps and stores.

    In what could be one of the biggest challenges to that duopoly, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is calling for changes to make the mobile app landscape more competitive.

    Mobile apps have become an essential tool for participation in much of daily life. Two companies – Apple and Google – act as gatekeepers over the apps that people and businesses rely on, NTIA found in its “Competition in the Mobile Application Ecosystem” report.

    The companies’ policies have the potential to harm consumers by inflating prices and reducing innovation.

    NTIA’s report and recommendations are part of the Biden administration’s push to promote innovation and competition, and to level the economic playing field. NTIA is the president’s principal advisor on telecommunications and Internet policy.

    “From finding directions to chatting with loved ones, apps are a critical tool for consumers and an essential part of doing business online,” said Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. “It is more important than ever that the market for mobile apps remains competitive. NTIA’s recommendations will make the app ecosystem more fair and innovative for everyone.”

    “This report identifies important ways we can promote competition and innovation in the app market, which will benefit consumers, startups, and small businesses,” said Bharat Ramamurti, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council.

    Despite talk of reigning in Big Tech and fostering more competition, the US has made little real progress. The NTIA’s report could be the first step toward major change in the mobile market.

  • Apple Has Paid App Store Developers $320 Billion Since 2008

    Apple Has Paid App Store Developers $320 Billion Since 2008

    Apple has released a report on the App Store, revealing the company has paid developers $320 billion.

    Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, penned a blog post revealing a number of insights into the App Store. First launched in 2008, the App Store is the primary way to distribute software on iOS and iPadOS.

    According to Cue, the App Store sees some 650 million visitors in 175 regions per week. What’s more, the App Store helps drive some “900 million paid subscriptions across Apple services.” Most impressive, Cue says developers have been paid $320 billion over the life of the App Store.

    Credit: Apple

    “It’s remarkable how much great content is at our fingertips; that’s a testament to the extraordinary work of creators worldwide. Never before have we enjoyed instant access to more cinematic original series, more engaging films, more global music, more creative apps, more essential journalism, and more immersive games and sports — no matter where you are, across all your favorite devices,” Cue writes.

    The executive says there’s still much more still to come.

    “And believe me: There’s much more to come,” Cue adds. “Moments to anticipate, enjoy, and reflect upon. Moments that will have us jumping up with excitement or at the edge of our seats, or that make us want to get up and dance. Moments that can create lasting memories and bring us closer to one another.”

  • Musk: Apple Threatening ‘to Withhold Twitter From the App Store’

    Musk: Apple Threatening ‘to Withhold Twitter From the App Store’

    Musk may be one step closer to launching his own iPhone competitor, saying Apple has “threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store.”

    Musk claims to be a free speech advocate. As part of his takeover of Twitter, the new CEO has significantly scaled back the platform’s content moderation. This has led to a major uptick in spam, porn, and hate content. Given such a situation could lead to Twitter eventually being removed from the App Store, and Google’s Play Store, Musk has already threatened to launch his own smartphone if that scenario comes to pass.

    Read more: Elon Musk’s Next Business Could Be An iPhone Competitor

    It appears that scenario may be more likely than predicted, at least if Musk is to be believed.

    Only time will tell if Musk’s confrontation with Apple becomes a reality, but there certainly seems no end to the drama coming from the Musk-owned Twitter.

  • More Android Apps Were Abandoned Than Updated in the Last Six Months

    More Android Apps Were Abandoned Than Updated in the Last Six Months

    The Google Plays Store has a problem, with more Android apps abandoned in the last six months than those updated.

    New research by Pixalate paints a grim picture for the Play Store, with a whopping 32% of Android apps abandoned by their developers, while only 30% were updated in Q2 2022. While Apple’s App Store also has a problem with abandoned apps, it’s not nearly as big a problem.

    In fact, the App store had 200,000 fewer abandoned apps compared to Q1 2022, while the Play Store had 150,000 more over Q1. What’s more, while the App Store has 500,000 abandoned apps, the Play Store has more than double that number, coming in at 1.1 million.

    The same trend holds true for “Super-Abandoned” apps, the term Pixalate uses for apps that have received no updates for at least five years. The App Store has 141,000 such apps, but the Plays store has more than 166,000.

    Beyond potential disappointment for users whose favorite app is abandoned, there are also serious security and privacy considerations. Pixalate found that 23% of abandoned apps have no known privacy policy. Abandoned apps can also pose risks because they use older and outdated libraries and don’t have the latest security patches.

    The research is a mixed bag for Android, its users, and developers. On the one hand, mainstream Android apps are more likely to be maintained long-term. On the other hand, users may be less likely to give new independent apps a chance for fear the developer(s) may eventually abandon them.

  • Apple Will Raise App Store Prices in Some Regions

    Apple Will Raise App Store Prices in Some Regions

    Apple has informed developers it will be raising App Store prices in multiple regions, effective October 5, 2022.

    Apple sometimes adjusts App Store prices around the world in response to economic and currency fluctuations. The company is now increasing prices in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America.

    As early as October 5, 2022, prices of apps and in-app purchases (excluding auto-renewable subscriptions) on the App Store will increase in Chile, Egypt, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Poland, South Korea, Sweden, Vietnam, and all territories that use the euro currency. In Vietnam, these increases also reflect new regulations for Apple to collect and remit applicable taxes, being value added tax (VAT) and corporate income tax (CIT) at 5% rates respectively.

    Apple has provided a full pricing chart here.

  • Apple Invites Developer to Purchase App Store Ad Spots

    Apple Invites Developer to Purchase App Store Ad Spots

    Apple is moving ahead with its plans to introduce more ads to the App Store, inviting developers to purchase slots for end-of-year rollout.

    Apple has been widely rumored to be expanding its advertising business, with plans to bring more ads to the App Store, Maps, Apple Books, and more. According to CNBC, those plans are starting to take shape, with Apple reportedly sending an email to developers, inviting them to start purchasing ad space for expanded placements in the App Store.

    “With new opportunities coming to Apple Search Ads, you can promote your apps across the App Store to engage even more customers this holiday season,” read the email.

    The company emphasized that the ads must meet its requirements in order to qualify.

    “Apple Search Ads provides opportunities for developers of all sizes to grow their business. Like our other advertising offerings, these new ad placements are built upon the same foundation—they will only contain content from apps’ approved App Store product pages, and will adhere to the same rigorous privacy standards,” an Apple representative told CNBC.

    Apple’s increased foray into advertising is sure to pose additional problems for the company, especially amid complaints that its privacy crackdown has significantly benefited its own ad business at the expense of its rivals.

  • Apps in South Korea Can Now Bypass the App Store’s Payment System

    Apps in South Korea Can Now Bypass the App Store’s Payment System

    Developers in South Korea can now use the payment system of their choice rather than being locked into Apple’s method.

    South Korea passed a law requiring Apple to open up the App Store to allow developers to use a payment method of their choosing. Despite Apple’s objection, the law has gone into effect, and Apple has complied. Apple has informed developers of the change in a developer update:

    The Telecommunications Business Act in South Korea was recently amended to mandate that apps distributed by app market operators in South Korea be allowed to offer an alternative payment processing option within their apps. To comply with this law, developers can use the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement. This entitlement allows apps distributed on the App Store solely in South Korea the ability to provide an alternative in-app payment processing option. Developers who want to continue using Apple’s in-app purchase system may do so and no further action is needed.

    At the same time, Apple says some features will not work if developers opt to use a different payment method:

    The Telecommunications Business Act in South Korea was recently amended to mandate that apps distributed by app market operators in South Korea be allowed to offer an alternative payment processing option within their apps. To comply with this law, developers can use the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement. This entitlement allows apps distributed on the App Store solely in South Korea the ability to provide an alternative in-app payment processing option. Developers who want to continue using Apple’s in-app purchase system may do so and no further action is needed.

    Other jurisdictions have been increasingly working to pry open Apple’s grip on the App Store, but South Korea has managed to make the most progress so far. It’s a safe bet it won’t be the last.

  • Roblox and Former National Security Officials Come to Apple’s Defense in Epic Case

    Roblox and Former National Security Officials Come to Apple’s Defense in Epic Case

    Apple is receiving some major backing in its fight with Epic, with former national security officials and Roblox defending the company’s App Store policies.

    Epic sued Apple in an attempt to force the company to open the App Store. Although Epic largely lost its battle, both companies are appealing the decision — Epic to achieve anything resembling a victory and Apple to try to win the one point it lost.

    Throughout the case, Apple has maintained that it’s walled-garden approach to the App Store improves the overall privacy and security of iOS, a point Roblox and former national security officials agree on, according to CNET. The various groups have filed court briefs supporting Apple’s position.

    “If Epic were to prevail, competition for higher quality device security would be stifled, and courts would be forced into unwanted regulatory postures that would open the door for greater risk of security threats,” a group of former defense, CIA, NSA, and National Security Council officials wrote.

    Roblox made a similar case in its brief.

    “Apple’s process for review and approval of apps available on the App Store enhances safety and security, and provides those apps greater legitimacy in the eyes of users,” Roblox wrote. “This is an important benefit that all apps, including Roblox’s, enjoy by choosing to be a part of Apple’s ecosystem.”

    Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ original decision was a well-researched decision, one that many experts believe will be upheld. Given the weight of support Apple is receiving, an Epic victory is looking more and more unlikely.

  • ‘Reader Apps’ On the App Store Can Now Include Alternate Payment Links

    ‘Reader Apps’ On the App Store Can Now Include Alternate Payment Links

    Developers of “reader apps,” such as Netflix, Spotify, and Kindle, can now include a link to alternative payment methods.

    Apple and Google have been under increasing pressure to open up their app ecosystems to outside payment options. Apple, in particular, has fought against such efforts aggressively, but has lost some of its battles, including against the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC). As part of its settlement with the JFTC, the company agreed to crack open its walled garden for reader apps, allowing them to include a link to alternate payment options.

    Apple has now implemented those changes, announcing the change on its Developer site.

    Last year, Apple announced an update coming to the App Store in early 2022 that would allow developers of “reader” apps to include an in-app link to their website for account creation and management purposes. Starting today, with the update of App Store Review guideline 3.1.3(a), developers of reader apps can now request access to the External Link Account Entitlement. This entitlement lets reader apps link to a website that is owned or maintained by the developer, so that users can create or manage their account outside of the app. Reader apps are apps that provide one or more of the following digital content types — magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, or video — as the primary functionality of the app.

    Developers can learn more here.

  • Microsoft Takes Shot At Apple and Google With ‘Open App Store Principles’

    Microsoft Takes Shot At Apple and Google With ‘Open App Store Principles’

    Microsoft is throwing down the gauntlet in the app store market, releasing a set of “Open App Store Principles” that take aim at Apple and Google.

    Apple and Google have increasingly come under scrutiny for how they run their respective app ecosystems, the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Epic sued both companies in an effort to force major changes, including the ability to use external payment systems and sideload apps. Although Epic lost, a majority of US states are backing its appeal.

    Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Open App Store Principles are a declaration of how Microsoft will manage its digital ecosystem, and seem to address many of the complaints Apple and Google are facing. Company President Brad Smith also makes it clear the company hopes this action will help ease any regulatory issues surrounding its attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard, a deal that is already being reviewed by the FTC.

    Today we’re announcing a new set of Open App Store Principles that will apply to the Microsoft Store on Windows and to the next-generation marketplaces we will build for games. We have developed these principles in part to address Microsoft’s growing role and responsibility as we start the process of seeking regulatory approval in capitals around the world for our acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

    Whatever the motivation, the company has outlined 11 principles, as well as three commitments. These include not locking developers into Microsoft’s payment systems, treating apps equally, not using private information to compete with third-party apps, holding its own apps to the same standard as everyone else, and respecting people’s privacy, among others.

    Smith also makes it clear that, not only will Microsoft honor existing agreements for Call of Duty on PlayStation, but the company will keep the franchise on Sony’s console into the future, beyond the current agreement. Smith says the company is also make similar arrangements to continue supporting Nintendo’s platform. The news should come as a relief to gamers concerned that Microsoft would hoard Activision’s top titles, making them Xbox-exclusives.

    It remains to be seen if Microsoft’s overtures will influence legislators and regulators but, at this time, it’s certainly more than either Apple or Google have been willing to concede. That alone may keep Microsoft out of the line of fire, when it comes to any future regulatory action.

  • Apple Now Accepting Unlisted Apps in the App Store

    Apple Now Accepting Unlisted Apps in the App Store

    Developers with an in-house or private app can now submit it to the Apple App Store as an unlisted app.

    Apple’s App Store may provide a significant layer of security, but it can present challenges for companies looking to deploy a private, or in-house app. Apple has announced a solution, making it possible for developers to submit unlisted apps that can be shared via a link.

    The company’s developer website outlines the new system.

    Release your apps that aren’t suited for public distribution as unlisted on the App Store, discoverable only with a direct link. Unlisted apps don’t appear in any App Store categories, recommendations, charts, search results, or other listings. They can also be accessed through Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. Apps for specific organizations, special events, or research studies, or apps used as employee resources or sales tools are good candidates for unlisted distribution.

    Interested developers can submit a request to get a link for their unlisted app.

  • 86% of Developers Want Legislation to Open App Stores

    86% of Developers Want Legislation to Open App Stores

    With the Open App Markets Act (OAMA) making its way through the Senate, at least 86% of developers are in favor of app marketplace legislation.

    The OAMA is bipartisan legislation aimed at Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. The legislation is designed to reduce Apple and Google’s role as gatekeepers for their respective platforms.

    “This legislation will tear down coercive anticompetitive walls in the app economy, giving consumers more choices and smaller startup tech companies a fighting chance,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “For years, Apple and Google have squashed competitors and kept consumers in the dark—pocketing hefty windfalls while acting as supposedly benevolent gatekeepers of this multi-billion dollar market. I’m proud to partner with Senators Blackburn and Klobuchar in this breakthrough blow against Big Tech bullying. This bipartisan bill will help break these tech giants’ ironclad grip, open the app economy to new competitors, and give mobile users more control over their own devices.” 

    According to the Coalition of App Fairness, 86% of developers want legislation that will prevent anti-competitive practices, as well as prevent Apple and Google from favoring their own apps and services. Developers clearly hope the OAMA will help level the playing field.

    “The evidence is clear – app developers want the Open App Markets Act to pass so that they can have the opportunity to compete in a fair digital marketplace,” said Meghan DiMuzio, Executive Director for the Coalition for App Fairness. “For too long, developers have been harmed by gatekeepers’ monopolistic practices, and consumers have suffered from less choice and innovation. We applaud Congress’ leadership on this issue to date and continue to urge members of Congress to act quickly to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace.”

  • Nvidia Bringing Fortnite Back to iOS and Android

    Nvidia Bringing Fortnite Back to iOS and Android

    Nvidia is doing what Epic can’t, bringing Fortnite back to iOS and Android via its GeForce NOW gaming platform.

    Fortnite has been absent the Apple App Store and Google Play Store since Epic’s legal spat with both companies. Nvidia plans to change that, thanks to its GeForce NOW gaming platform. The company is bringing Fortnite back to both platforms, via Safari on iOS and the GeForce NOW app on Android.

    Beginning today, GeForce NOW members can sign up for a chance to join the Fortnite limited-time closed beta for mobile devices. Not an existing member? No worries. Register for a GeForce NOW membership and sign up to become eligible for the closed beta once the experience starts rolling out next week. Upgrade to a Priority or RTX 3080 membership to receive priority access to gaming servers. A paid GeForce NOW membership is not required to participate.

    The announcement is welcome news to Fortnite fans.

  • South Korea Wants Apple and Google to Ban Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games

    South Korea Wants Apple and Google to Ban Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games

    South Korea is pressuring Apple and Google to ban existing and future play-to-earn (P2E) games, in another move against the app economy.

    South Korea has been a vocal critic of Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, passing a law that would force both companies to allow third-party payment options in apps.

    The country is now asking both companies to remove P2E games, and asking them to block future games in that category, according to Naver, via Tech In Asia.

    The Game Management Committee in the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism asked the companies to ban such games, since money gained could qualify as prizes, which are legally limited to $8.50 at a time.

    There has been no reported response from either Apple or Google, but it’s unlikely either company will voluntarily grant the request.

  • Appeals Court Sides With Apple, Delays App Store Change During Appeal

    Appeals Court Sides With Apple, Delays App Store Change During Appeal

    Apple won an appeal to delay an order that would allow developers to avoid its App Store commission while the company continues the appeal process.

    Epic sued Apple in an effort to break up the Apple ecosystem and force the company to allow third-party stores, as well as payment systems, on iOS/iPadOS. Epic claimed Apple was an abusive monopoly, and should be treated accordingly. Ultimately, Epic lost nine out of its 10 claims. The only point Epic won was the judge ruling that Apple must allow developers to include in-app links to outside payment options.

    Apple appealed the decision and requested a stay, saying it should not have to implement the change until the appeal process was exhausted. The original judge, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, denied the request, with the change set to go into effect today.

    An appeals court overturned that decision Wednesday, according to The Seattle Times, ruling that Apple does not have to make changes while the case makes its way through the appeals process.

    “Apple has demonstrated, at minimum, that its appeal raises serious questions on the merits of the district court’s determination that Epic Games Inc. failed to show Apple’s conduct violated any antitrust laws but did show that the same conduct violated California’s Unfair Competition Law,” the appellate judges wrote, adding that Apple “made a sufficient showing of irreparable harm” to the App Store.

    Apple reiterated the stand it has always taken in a statement following the ruling.

    “Our concern is that these changes would have created new privacy and security risks and disrupted the user experience customers love about the App Store.”

  • Apple’s App Store Set to Hit $85 Billion in Sales in 2021

    Apple’s App Store Set to Hit $85 Billion in Sales in 2021

    New data indicates the Apple App Store is on track to blow past last year’s earnings, topping $85 billion in 2021.

    The App Store is the primary way for iOS/iPadOS devices to download software and has become a substantial money-maker for Apple. According to data from SensorTower, global App Store spending will reach $85.1 billion by the end of 2021. This represents a 17.7% year-over-year increase from the $72.3 billion the App Store accounted for in 2020.

    Similarly, the Google Play Store will reach $47.9 billion in 2021, an increase of 23.5% over 2020’s $38.8 billion.

    TikTok was the highest earning non-game app across both platforms, but lagged behind Google One when looking exclusively at the Play Store. TikTok was also the most downloaded app on the App Store, but came in third place behind Facebook and Instagram on the Play Store. Facebook and Instagram came in second and third on the App Store.

  • Judge Denies Apple a Stay on App Store Changes Pending Appeal

    Judge Denies Apple a Stay on App Store Changes Pending Appeal

    The judge in Apple’s case versus Epic has denied the company a stay on implementing court-ordered App Store changes until appeals are exhausted.

    Apple was the clear winner in its legal spat with Epic. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple was not a monopoly and agreed with Apple that the company’s App Store approach likely results in a more secure environment for its customers.

    The only point Epic won, out of 10 counts, was to force Apple to allow developers to place in-app access to outside payment methods, making it easier for customers and developers to bypass Apple’s payment system. Despite Apple’s overwhelming victory, the company appealed the one count it lost and wanted a stay that would allow it to continue operating unchanged until the appeals process is exhausted.

    Judges Rogers has shut down Apple’s request, saying the company must implement the changes while it pursues its appeals.

    “In short, Apple’s motion is based on a selective reading of this Court’s findings and ignores all of the findings which supported the injunction, namely incipient antitrust conduct including supercompetitive commission rates resulting in extraordinarily high operating margins and which have not been correlated to the value of its intellectual property,” Judge Rogers writes, via AppleInsider.

    Not surprisingly, Apple plans to appeal Judge Rogers’ decision not to stay her decision during the appeal (at what point does appealing decisions about an appeal take on an Inception feel?).

    “Apple believes no additional business changes should be required to take effect until all appeals in this case are resolved. We intend to ask the Ninth Circuit for a stay based on these circumstances,” the company told Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    Despite being an Apple user and fan for more than two decades, given the current sentiment toward Big Tech, this writer believes Apple should take its win, thank the judge, make the change and drop the appeals. Doing so would likely go a long way toward heading off further scrutiny from lawmakers, and certainly help the company come across as less of a bully to developers.

  • TestFlight for macOS Now Available

    TestFlight for macOS Now Available

    Apple has released TestFlight for macOS, making the utility available on the Mac for the first time.

    TestFlight is a utility that makes it easy for developers to invite users to beta test their products on iOS. Given the closed nature of the iOS App Store, without TestFlight, there is no effective way for users to load and test beta software.

    Apple first announced plans to bring TestFlight to the macOS App Store, which has the same restrictions as the iOS App Store, at the WWDC conference in June. The utility is now out of beta and available on the App Store to all users.

  • Google Lowering Play Store Fees to as Low as 10%

    Google Lowering Play Store Fees to as Low as 10%

    Google has announced it is lowering its Play Store fees for subscriptions to 15%, and Media Experience apps to 10%.

    Like Apple, Google originally charged a flat 30% commission for all paid Android apps in the Play Store. While developers were initially thrilled to pay a commission in exchange for Apple and Google handling the sales end of their business, many have since soured on the fees, claiming they are too high.

    Google has been making changes to its fees structure, but its most recent change is its biggest yet. The company’s fee for recurring subscriptions already dropped from 30 to 15% after 12 months, and Media Experience apps were subject to a 15% fee.

    The company is lowering those fees even more, with all recurring subscriptions slated to enjoy a flat 15% fee starting January 1, 2022. This change was made to address customer churn that prevented some developers from ever realizing the lower fee that only kicked in after the first year.

    Google is also lowering the fee for Media Experience apps to as low as 10%

    Google’s announcement is welcome news for Android developers, and puts additional pressure on Apple to adapt its App Store fees to the current market.