Apple has revealed considerable modifications to the App Store and iPhone in Japan to adhere to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). These modifications provide new app distribution avenues for developers and alternative payment regulations for the App Store.
In a recent statement, Apple indicated that the MSCA requirements in Japan for alternative app marketplaces and app payments might pose risks like malware, fraud, and privacy issues. Nevertheless, Apple collaborated with Japanese authorities to strike a balance that fulfills the law while safeguarding users.
### App Distribution in Japan
Developers in Japan are now able to distribute their applications through alternative app marketplaces apart from the App Store. Apple will perform a Notarization review on all applications, including automated checks and human evaluations to ensure their functionality and security.
### New Payment Options
The update brings modifications to the payment methods on the App Store:
– Developers can continue utilizing Apple In-App Purchase (IAP) as is.
– Alternative payment methods for digital goods/services within iOS applications are now allowed. Developers can:
– Provide digital goods and services via an alternative payment processor.
– Direct users to external offers/promotions through clickable links that open in a web browser.
If an application employs an alternative payment method, it must also offer Apple IAP as an option at the same time.
### New Business Terms
Apple is launching new business terms concerning App Store payments and distribution:
– **App Store Commission**: A lower commission of 10% for specific programs and 21% on transactions involving digital goods/services.
– **Apple Payment Processing Fee**: An extra 5% fee for utilizing Apple IAP.
– **Store Services Commission**: A 15% commission on transactions connected to websites, with a reduced rate for particular programs.
– **Core Technology Commission**: A 5% commission on sales of digital goods and services distributed outside the App Store.
### Kids’ Safety
Apple has instituted measures to ensure the protection of children with the new app distribution and payment methods:
– Applications categorized under Kids will not include links to external websites for transactions.
– Applications accessed by users under 18 must have a parental gate for purchases made through alternative payment processing.
– Applications aimed at users under 13 cannot link to websites for transactions.
– Apple is creating a new API for developers to facilitate parental oversight of purchases made outside of Apple IAP.
### iOS Platform Changes
With the update to iOS 26.2, iPhone users in Japan will experience new features, including:
– Default controls for navigation applications and app marketplaces can be adjusted in the Settings app.
– A new screen for selecting a browser and a search engine choice screen will be introduced.
– Developers will receive new tools, including options for utilizing alternative browser engines and an API for voice-based conversational applications to replace Siri as the default assistant.
These modifications take effect immediately with the launch of iOS 26.2. Developers can find additional information on the Apple Developer Support page and in Apple’s complete press release.
