Stripe Offers iOS Developers a Way to Bypass Apple Fees
Payments processing platform Stripe is taking significant steps to assist iOS developers in navigating Apple’s App Store commission fees. This initiative stems from a recent ruling in the Apple-Epic antitrust trial, where the court criticized Apple for its restrictive payment policies.
Court Ruling and Stripe’s Response
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers expressed concerns regarding Apple’s limitation on external payment links within apps. Following this, Stripe announced resources aimed at enabling developers to implement Stripe’s payment solutions outside of their apps, effectively avoiding Apple’s commission.
Michael Luo, Product Manager at Stripe, highlighted this development on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the team had created a guide specifically for iOS developers to facilitate the transition to accepting payments through Stripe.
“Big news iOS app developers! You can now accept payments with @stripe outside of your app, with no iOS app store commissions.” — Michael Luo
Understanding Apple’s Payment Policies
Historically, Apple permitted developers to link to external websites for purchases but only slightly reduced its typical 30% commission to 27%. Additionally, the company created “scare screens” warning customers about the risks associated with external payments. Judge Rogers ruled that Apple’s approach did not align with legal expectations and mandated a swift policy change.
How Stripe’s Documentation Helps
Stripe’s newly released documentation provides detailed instructions for developers looking to integrate payment links for digital goods. The process involves redirecting users to a secure payments page hosted by Stripe, enabling a seamless checkout experience.
Comparing Fees: Stripe vs. Apple
While using Stripe requires developers to manage their own payment pages, the cost benefits are notable. Stripe’s standard transaction fees are 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction, making it a significantly more economical choice compared to Apple’s previously dominant commission structure.
Community Reactions
Developer response to Stripe’s announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement over the newfound possibilities for their apps. Notable figures in the tech community, including David Heinemeier Hansson, co-owner of 37Signals, lauded this shift in policy.
“Apple’s loss in court is immediately opening up a whole new world for app developers. Entire business models were impossible under the old 30% regime.” — David Heinemeier Hansson
Conclusion
As iOS developers adapt to these changes, Stripe’s support provides a clear pathway to reducing costs and enhancing revenue potential. The evolving landscape of app payments signals a significant shift in how developers can monetize their products without the burden of traditional commission rates.
