iOS 15.5 Beta Allows Reader Apps to Sell Externally

iOS 15.5 beta now supports redirecting consumers to third-party payment services rather than the App Store’s in-app purchase mechanism. Apple looks to be easing its position against external payment methods, as the company confirmed last week support for External Link Account Entitlement for “reader” apps. This category of applications includes those that offer digital material such as periodicals, newspapers, books, music, and video.

According to 9to5Mac, iOS 15.5 beta now has “complete support for the new entitlement that applications may utilize to signify that they allow users to make external purchases.” This means that, because Apple will no longer have control over what you purchase outside of its platform, it will send you a warning notifying you of the fact.

According to the report, if you attempt to uninstall an app that you did not purchase directly through the App Store, you will see a pop-up message stating that managing purchases and subscriptions via the App Store is not available. Apple’s internal iOS code indicates that it will also display a similar caution the first time you open an app that supports external purchases.

External purchases via [app’s name] may remain available. External purchases cannot be managed or canceled through the App Store. Contact the developer for further information.

Take note that the “External Link Account Entitlement” feature will be limited to reader apps, which Apple defines as those that “primarily deliver one or more of the following digital content formats — periodicals, newspapers, books, audio, music, or video.” Additionally, such apps will be prohibited from making in-app purchases through the App Store.

Apple looks to be gradually allowing third-party purchases, since it let Dutch dating apps to accept third-party payments last week. However, the corporation did not submit without a struggle, incurring a 50 million euro punishment in the process.

Do you believe Apple will eventually add third-party payment options to non-reader apps? Kindly inform us in the comments section.