Apple lets Facebook use its own payment method for now

[Jamie McKane]

Apple lets Facebook use its own payment method for now

Apple Inc. will let users of Facebook Inc.’s online events product use the social network’s own payment method through the end of the year, temporarily bypassing the iPhone maker’s typical 30% cut.

The Cupertino, California-based technology giant said it is making the exception as some businesses were forced to move their physical events online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. App Store apps that facilitate in-person classes or events have always been allowed to accept payment methods other than Apple’s, bypassing the fee. But once businesses moved online, almost all classes became virtual and were no longer exempt from Apple’s 30% cut.

[Bloomberg]

 

[Thor]

Sue the fck out of Apple because that's anti competitive

 

[bruce_the_loon]

Sue the fck out of Apple because that's anti competitive

Yeah, why do they get to charge 30% for a credit transaction when the actual card processors run between 2.5% and 5%. Apple isn't adding any extra service for that 30%, the app developer's already paid for the hosting and distribution in their $99 standard or $299 enterprise fee.

Never thought I'd wish Epic and Microsoft good luck.

 

[OomD]

Apple is making it possible for clients to purchase directly on their phones, they need infrastructure to do that. Infrastructure costs money. That being said, 30% is just plain greed. I would think a fee similar to card payment fees would be fair, say around 2.5%.

 

[bwana]

If you're going to sue Apple then you have to sue Google as well, they do the same with their Play store.

 

[B-1]

Apple is making it possible for clients to purchase directly on their phones, they need infrastructure to do that. Infrastructure costs money. That being said, 30% is just plain greed. I would think a fee similar to card payment fees would be fair, say around 2.5%.

I think you meant to say apple is preventing clients from purchasing on their phones unless the app developer pays 30% extortion fee which the client will end up paying for at the end of the day.

 

[B-1]

If you're going to sue Apple then you have to sue Google as well, they do the same with their Play store.

Google at least allows you to link to another payment system. If you want to use the play store payment system then you fork out a percentage based on age of app yes but you don't have to use their payment method. With apple they won't approve your app if you mention anything about paying elsewhere never mind adding a link.

 

[bwana]

Google at least allows you to link to another payment system. If you want to use the play store payment system then you fork out a percentage based on age of app yes but you don't have to use their payment method. With apple they won't approve your app if you mention anything about paying elsewhere never mind adding a link.

Not everyone is comfortable side loading apps. If you want to be part of their store then you have to pay to Play.

 

[B-1]

Not everyone is comfortable side loading apps. If you want to be part of their store then you have to pay to Play.

Yes exactly extortion.

 

[Nqindi]

Not everyone is comfortable side loading apps. If you want to be part of their store then you have to pay to Play.

But that doesn't invalidate the point that you have the option with Google to sideload. Whether you are comfortable with it is an entirely different argument. Apple forces you to use the App Store.

 

[bwana]

But that doesn't invalidate the point that you have the option with Google to sideload. Whether you are comfortable with it is an entirely different argument. Apple forces you to use the App Store.

Who is forcing people to use Apple? They're no longer the market share leader.

 

[Nqindi]

Who is forcing people to use Apple? They're no longer the market share leader.

You are being intentionally obtuse - it is obvious what I mean.