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Apps distributed “only in South Korea” can now include their own in-app payment system, but Apple will block certain App Store features if they do.
Following the introduction in South Korea of new laws regarding app stores, Apple has now formally allowed developers to use their own in-app payment systems. Instead of all payments going through Apple and its own App Store, developers can choose alternatives, but with conditions.
In a new developer support document, Apple says eligible developers can use the so-called StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement feature.
“This right to apps distributed exclusively in South Korea on the App Store provides an opportunity to provide an alternative in-app payment processing option,” Apple says. “If you’re considering exercising this right, it’s important to understand that some App Store features, such as Ask to Buy and Family Sharing, will not be available to your users, in part because we’re making payments outside of the App Store’s private and secure payment system.”
“Apple is unable to assist users with refunds, purchase history, subscription management and other issues associated with purchasing digital goods and services through an alternative purchase method,” it continues. “You are responsible for solving such problems.”
The move follows Apple’s previous responses to the South Korean law, which authorities there labeled as inadequate.