So you know how the whole thing with Apple and dating apps in the Netherlands has been settled? Turns out maybe not. We started the week with word that Apple will allow dating apps in that country to employ third-party payment methods, complying with a Christmastime mandate from the Netherlands’ Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). Complying for now, though Apple is still appealing the decision, according to a report from Engadget.
It turns out though, just following the ACM orders might not be enough. There’s more than one way to do a thing, and the way Apple’s doing it may not be as straight forward as some would hope. Props to Apple Insider for sussing out the terms of Apple’s offering. It’s got the developer support page for “Distributing dating apps in the Netherlands” explaining that:
…affected apps have three options covering payment systems. Along with the existing IAP (In App Payment) system, developers can also use an in-app link pointing users to a website to complete the purchase, or (…) use a third-party payment system within the app.
For some reason, two songs leap to mind - Ringo Starr’s “It Don’t Come Easy” and The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
The Apple Insider piece, by the way, sailed in under the headline, “Apple makes it clear it will get its app commission regardless of payment method.” No word yet on what that commission will be. Meanwhile, a piece from MacRumors says:
Developers will also be required to maintain separate app binaries for distribution in the Netherlands if they choose to offer alternate in-app purchasing options.
That report also has Apple warning of potential user experience problems for which developers will be responsible. MacRumors quotes the Cupertino-company as saying:
Because Apple will not be directly aware of purchases made using alternative methods, Apple will not be able to assist users with refunds, purchase history, subscription management, and other issues encountered when purchasing digital goods and services through these alternative purchasing methods. You will be responsible for addressing such issues with customers.
One gets why the ACM wants to double check Apple’s offer, and it’s hard to imagine affected parties will be overjoyed. MacRumors quotes a press release from the organization, saying:
ACM will now assess whether Apple meets the requirements that ACM had imposed. As part of that assessment, ACM will sit down with dating-app providers, among other interested parties.