Apple’s Latest Third-Party Payment Proposal Still Being Weighed by Dutch Regulators

29 MARCH 2022 - A follow up to a story we’ve been discussing since the first of the year - insistence by Dutch authorities that Apple make it possible for dating apps in the App Store in the Netherlands to employ third-party payment solutions, rather than being bound to Apple’s in-app payment mechanism. Last week we heard that Apple had submitted new proposals to come inline with Dutch authorities. Over the weekend we heard that regulators in Holland had rejected the new proposals. It’s unclear whether that report was in error or Apple has presented newer proposals still. Whatever the case, a piece from Apple Insider says that ball is still in the air, and there’s even a hint of optimism around it. “In a statement," the piece says:

…the [Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets] offers that it welcomes Apple's proposal, and that “the adjusted proposal should result in definitive conditions for dating-app providers that wish to use the App Store.” After receiving a proposal for definitive conditions, the ACM then will consult with “market participants,” such as dating app providers, before issuing a decision of compliance. 

Conversely, if the proposal is rejected again (or still), stop on a Whammy! Despite having hit the €50 million penalty ceiling, Apple Insider says:

…the ACM warns that there could be more payments in the future. "If ACM comes to the conclusion that Apple does not meet the requirements, ACM may impose another order subject to periodic penalty payments," the regulator writes.