In a major change to the App Store policy, Apple will allow app developers to email their users about alternative purchase options.
App developers want to contact their customers directly to get them to pay directly and avoid Apple’s App Store fees, which are between 15% and 30% of gross sales.
Apple changed its policies as a result of a class action lawsuit with developers claiming that Apple monopolized the distribution of iOS apps and in-app purchases.
The concession, which covers email notifications but not in-app notifications, was announced late Thursday as part of a preliminary settlement of a nearly two-year-old lawsuit on behalf of iPhone app developers in the United States.
It also addresses an issue raised by a federal judge who is expected to rule shortly in a separate case from Epic Games, creators of the popular video game Fortnite.
Apple announced the news in a “background” briefing with reporters, insisting on the anonymity of the executives taking part and refusing to direct quotations.
Separately, Apple announced on Thursday that it would lower the App Store fees for publishers who provide content for Apple News.
(With contributions from agencies)
