Apple to let media apps avoid 30% fee from next year after global scrutiny

Companies like Netflix and Spotify Technology have long complained that Apple doesn't allow them to link to their web portals for users to sign up for their services

Apple Inc. will allow developers of some apps to link from their software to external websites for payments by users, addressing a longstanding App Store complaint and settling an investigation by Japan’s Fair Trade Commission.
 

The Cupertino, California-based technology giant said the change will go into effect globally early next year for so-called reader apps spanning magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music and video. To date, Apple has forced such applications to use its in-app purchase system, which gives Apple up to a 30 per cent commission on downloads and in-app subscriptions. By pointing users to the web to sign up,