Apple Loosens App Store Restrictions; Allows Apps To Feature Streaming Games And More

Apple has announced a change to its App Store’s restrictions, now allowing developers worldwide to incorporate new in-app features such as streaming games, mini-apps, and chatbots. This could mean that services such as Xbox Cloud Streaming and GeForce Now will be able to offer full-featured apps on the company’s digital storefront. Prior to this, these services were only accessible on iOS via a web browser.

The expanded in-app experiences, which encompass mini-games and plug-ins, will also receive enhanced discovery opportunities – potentially involving new sections in the App Store to highlight specific features. However, Apple has not provided specific details regarding this, though it is likely that it may involve curating apps that feature chatbots and cloud-based gaming, for instance. Additionally, developers can now utilise the company’s in-app purchase system for these built-in experiences, facilitating easy subscription purchases for the aforementioned services.

These changes align with Apple’s recent efforts to open its ecosystem, particularly in response to pressure from the EU. In addition, the company now allows developers to link to third-party payment solutions within apps, though it will still take a cut from the money made. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is considering imposing charges on developers offering side-loaded apps outside the App Store, though this would only apply to the European market.

In its recent blog post, Apple stated that these changes reflect feedback from its developer community and align with the App Store’s mission to provide a trusted space for users to discover apps, while offering developers new capabilities to enhance their businesses. “Apps that host this content are responsible for ensuring all the software included in their app meets Apple’s high standards for user experience and safety,” it added.

(Source: Apple [official blog])

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