Apple has formally announced a comprehensive set of modifications to the operation of its iOS App Store within Japan, designed specifically to bring the company into alignment with the nation’s recently enacted digital commerce and competition legislation. This newly introduced regulatory framework compels Apple to adopt a more open ecosystem, and as a result, the company will begin permitting both third‑party app distribution platforms and alternative payment processing systems within its mobile software environment. However, even as these new freedoms are introduced, Apple is simultaneously implementing a revised schedule of commission fees that will apply to transactions taking place through non‑traditional channels, thereby maintaining a measure of oversight and revenue continuity.
Under the updated policy, software developers operating in Japan will soon obtain the capacity to disseminate their applications through independent app stores in addition to Apple’s own App Store. This structural shift mirrors regulatory developments already taking shape within the European Union, where similar principles of market openness are gradually taking effect. In fact, AltStore PAL—a well‑known alternative distribution platform—has already revealed its intention to enter the Japanese market, anticipating a public launch before the conclusion of the current year. In correspondence with the European model, Apple will levy a 5‑percent commission on in‑app purchases executed within third‑party stores, a relatively modest fee that underscores Apple’s strategy of maintaining revenue participation while conceding greater operational latitude to developers.
Beyond marketplace flexibility, the new framework also extends to payment systems. For the first time, applications distributed through the official App Store will be allowed to integrate alternative payment mechanisms directly within their apps or to direct users externally via secure links to authorized websites where purchases can be completed. Nonetheless, Apple will retain a considerable share of transactional oversight through commissions that remain in effect—up to 21 percent for in‑app purchases conducted inside its own ecosystem, and a somewhat reduced 15‑percent fee when customers choose to buy digital goods through linked websites. This arrangement demonstrates Apple’s intention to accommodate regulatory changes while protecting its financial interests and the integrity of its platform.
In the interest of user transparency and security, Apple will also incorporate a series of explicit warnings that alert users whenever they engage with third‑party app stores or use alternative payment routes. These notices are intended to inform customers of potential differences in privacy safeguards, consumer protection standards, or refund policies compared with those of Apple’s curated environment. The introduction of such warnings has already provoked commentary from industry figures, most notably Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney. Citing both the presence of these cautionary prompts and the continuation of Apple’s commission fees, Sweeney confirmed that the globally popular game Fortnite will not be reintroduced to iOS devices in Japan at this stage. His remarks echo ongoing concerns from developers about Apple’s control mechanisms and associated costs.
This latest episode in Japan closely parallels disputes unfolding elsewhere, particularly in the United States, where Apple recently lost an appeal in its long‑running antitrust confrontation with Epic Games. The parallels between these jurisdictions highlight the growing global scrutiny faced by major technology platforms regarding competition, developer autonomy, and consumer rights—issues that are rapidly reshaping the boundaries of digital distribution and mobile commerce worldwide.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/847149/apple-third-party-app-stores-payment-processing-ios-japan
