Changes to Apple’s App Store Guidelines Delayed by Judge

Changes to Apple’s “anti-steering” App Store guidelines that would enable developers to direct customers to purchase choices outside of the App Store do not need to be implemented just now because Apple is not required to do so now.

Delay Granted for Changes to App Store Rules

Apple was granted a motion today to restrict it from changing the App Store for the next ninety days. This will give the business enough time to ask the Supreme Court to hear the issue. The Verge reported the news.

Background on the Legal Dispute

Since 2020, Apple and Epic Games have been engaged in a legal dispute regarding the policies governing Apple’s App Store. In 2021, the judge presiding over the case took a predominately favorable position to Apple. She concluded that Apple did not violate antitrust law with its App Store rules that required developers to use the in-app purchase mechanism. However, as part of the finding, Apple was required to revise its “anti-steering” guidelines.

Order for App Store Changes

Apple has been ordered to modify the App Store, permitting developers to use metadata, buttons, links, and other calls to action to send customers to buy mechanisms outside the App Store. This will pave the way for developers to incorporate alternative payment methods. Apple has been ordered to make changes to the App Store.