In a significant shift, Apple has updated its App Store Guidelines to permit US app developers to direct users to external websites for purchases, complying with a recent court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case. The changes, which came into effect on May 2, 2025, carve out specific exceptions for developers hosting their apps on the US storefront.

The updated guidelines, spotted by 9to5Mac, modify sections 3.1.1, 3.2.1(a), 3.1.3, and 3.1.3(a) of the App Store Guidelines, which previously prohibited apps from including "buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase." The revised rules now exempt apps hosted by the US storefront from these restrictions.

The move comes in response to a court ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who ruled that Apple cannot restrict app developers from including links or buttons for external purchases, interfere with app users' choice to visit third-party sites, or impose "any commission or any fee on purchases that consumers make outside an app." Apple has stated that it will comply with the court order while it appeals the decision.

In an email sent to developers, Apple explained that "The App Review Guidelines have been updated for compliance with a United States court decision regarding buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps." The company emphasized that the changes only affect apps distributed on the US storefront of the App Store.

The implications of this update are significant, as it opens up new revenue streams for app developers and potentially reduces Apple's control over the App Store ecosystem. Spotify, for instance, has already prepared an app update to test Apple's new rules, according to reports.

Industry experts believe that this development could have far-reaching consequences for the app economy, potentially leading to a more open and competitive market. However, it remains to be seen how Apple will implement these changes and whether they will lead to a more level playing field for app developers.

As the tech giant navigates this new landscape, it's clear that the Epic Games v. Apple case has marked a significant turning point in the ongoing battle over app store policies and revenue sharing. With Apple's appeal of the court ruling still pending, the industry will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds.