Apple has officially changed its App Store Guidelines to allow developers in the United States to include external links for purchases, following a court order in the Epic v. Apple case.
The update means U.S.-based apps can now direct users to third-party websites to buy digital content or services, without using Apple’s in-app purchase system and without paying Apple a commission. Previously, Apple had strict rules that blocked any links or buttons that led outside the App Store for payments.
These rule changes appear in several sections of the updated App Store Guidelines:
- Apps on the U.S. App Store can now include buttons and links to external websites for purchases.
- Developers don’t need special entitlements to include these links in their U.S. apps, but non-U.S. apps still face restrictions.
- “Reader” apps and apps showing NFT collections can now guide users externally, but only if they follow the updated rules.
The move comes after Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple cannot block developers from offering other payment options or take a cut from purchases made outside of the App Store.
Apple confirmed the changes in an email to developers, saying the updates are specifically for apps in the U.S. storefront, and that it will comply with the ruling while it works on its appeal.
