Apple opens doors to alternative payments in VisionOS App Store for EU users

As the Apple Vision Pro prepares to make its debut in Europe, Apple has confirmed a significant shift in its payment policy for the visionOS App Store. Users in the European Union will soon have the flexibility to choose alternative payment methods when purchasing content.

Apple’s announcement came on Monday via its website, revealing that developers working on visionOS apps will now have the option to integrate alternative payment systems alongside the traditional App Store in-app purchase mechanism. However, to take advantage of this new feature, developers will need to update their apps to visionOS 1.2.

In a statement to developers, Apple said, “Alternative payment options are now supported starting in visionOS 1.2 for apps distributed on the App Store in the EU.” This development comes as Apple Vision Pro pre-orders commenced on June 28 in countries including France, Germany, Australia, Canada, and the UK, with the official launch set for July 12.

Previously, developers could offer alternative payment options in their apps for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS users within the EU. This system allows users to be redirected to an external payment platform or website to complete transactions, though developers are still required to pay a fee to Apple for these external transactions.

In June, Apple introduced the second beta of iPadOS 18 for developers, incorporating similar changes to the App Store on the iPad that were previously implemented on the iPhone. These updates included the introduction of App Marketplaces, alternative payment options, and support for third-party browser engines.

Despite these adjustments, the European Commission remains critical of Apple’s efforts, indicating that the company could face fines if it does not fully comply with EU regulations. The Commission’s scrutiny underscores the ongoing tension between Apple and regulatory authorities over the company’s App Store policies.

Yesterday, The European Commission also determined that Meta has violated the EU’s DMA with its “pay or consent” model. The Commission’s preliminary findings, published yesterday, suggest that Meta’s practices are not in alignment with the DMA, which has been applicable to gatekeepers like Apple and Meta since March 7.