Apple updates its App Store guidelines to allow external payment options

Apple has updated its App Store guidelines in response to a court ruling, lifting restrictions on external purchases for U.S. apps, which previously required users to buy through the App Store for Apple to collect fees. This follows a legal battle with Epic Games, where the judge ordered Apple to allow developers to direct customers to third-party payment systems, though Apple still took a cut from these sales. As a result, companies like Fortnite and Spotify are exploring ways to bypass Apple's commission structure, with Fortnite returning to iOS next week and Spotify allowing U.S. users to pay outside the App Store. Epic is considering legal action over this ruling.