Delta Emulator: A Breakthrough in Apple's App Store External Payment Policy and Future Outlook

Delta Emulator: A Breakthrough in Apple's App Store External Payment Policy and Future OutlookApple's App Store is known for its stringent app review and payment policies. However, this has recently shown signs of softening

Delta Emulator: A Breakthrough in Apple's App Store External Payment Policy and Future Outlook

Apple's App Store is known for its stringent app review and payment policies. However, this has recently shown signs of softening. Delta, an emulator app allowing users to play classic games on their iPhones, has become the first app in the US App Store to support external payment links, marking a significant shift in Apple's in-app purchase policy.

Launched in April this year, Delta supports various game systems including NES, SNES, N64, NDS, GBA, and DS. Users can play games simply by downloading the corresponding ROM files without jailbreaking their devices. Developer Riley Testut stated that Delta includes a link to Patreon for payments, representing the first practical application of Apple's "ExternalPurchaseLinkEntitlement" policy introduced in January. This doesn't mean Apple is abandoning its app sales revenue share entirely, but rather that the percentage will be reduced.

Apple's App Store payment policies have been highly controversial, particularly its ban on third-party payments, leading to significant dissatisfaction among users and developers. Delta's initiative signals a gradual softening of Apple's stance towards third-party payments. However, Apple's opening to external payment methods is not entirely unrestricted. Apps granted "ExternalPurchaseLinkEntitlement" must meet specific conditions: they must be available on the US App Store, offer in-app purchases, and not participate in certain partner programs. This limitation reflects Apple's consideration of payment security risks and its responsibility to users and developers.

The widespread adoption of third-party payments on the App Store would offer numerous benefits to users and developers. For users, this means diversified and flexible payment options, no longer limited to the App Store's internal payment system. More importantly, reduced Apple commission translates to cost savings for users. For developers, supporting third-party payments can attract more users, lower price points can expand their user base, and a lower Apple commission means higher revenue. Furthermore, developers can create more flexible payment plans to better meet diverse user needs.

However, the full-scale adoption of third-party payments on the App Store also faces challenges. How can the security of third-party payments be guaranteed? How can malicious activities and policy loopholes be prevented? These are crucial issues that Apple needs to address. The security of third-party payments is paramount, requiring robust regulatory mechanisms and security measures to protect the interests of both users and developers. Apple also needs to establish more detailed policies to prevent apps from exploiting loopholes for unfair competition and disrupting market order. This requires Apple to strike a delicate balance between openness and security.

Delta Emulator's successful launch marks only the beginning of adjustments to Apple's App Store third-party payment policies. Although currently limited to specific qualifying apps, its symbolic importance is undeniable. It foreshadows a potential transformation of the App Store's payment ecosystem, offering more choices and opportunities for users and developers. Apple may gradually relax restrictions on third-party payments, ultimately creating a more open, fair, and secure in-app payment ecosystem. This requires Apple to continuously refine its policies, proactively address potential challenges, and strengthen communication and collaboration with developers and users.

Apple's adjustment of its App Store payment policies is a crucial step in adapting to market competition and user needs. In the increasingly competitive global mobile app market, Apple needs continuous innovation and improvement to maintain its leading position in the mobile app ecosystem. Delta Emulator's success serves as a valuable reference for other apps and provides valuable experience for future adjustments to Apple's App Store payment policies.

It's also noteworthy that Delta Emulator itself reflects Apple's gradual opening up of the App Store's gaming sector. Previously, emulator apps often faced rejection due to copyright issues. Delta's successful launch indicates adjustments and improvements in Apple's review mechanisms, which is positive news for game developers and fosters the creation of more innovative game apps.

In conclusion, Delta Emulator's successful adoption of external payment links is a significant milestone in the adjustment of Apple's App Store payment policies. While challenges remain, this change offers new hope for users and developers. Apple's next steps will be closely watched. Whether it can ultimately establish a more comprehensive, open, and secure in-app payment ecosystem remains to be seen. This will profoundly impact the future development of the App Store and have a far-reaching influence on the entire mobile app market. We look forward to seeing Apple successfully balance security and openness, creating a more prosperous app ecosystem for users and developers.

It's worth noting that CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2025 will be held on January 7, 2025. We will continue to monitor Apple's activities and the latest industry trends at the exhibition.