Apple, Google face new app store payment rules in UK

The UK has proposed a new ruling on Tuesday that would allow app developers to bypass Google and Apple’s proprietary payment systems.

According to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), under the new guidelines. The developers would be permitted to direct users toward alternative and off-platform options.

The move is aimed at lowering transaction fees and generating greater competition within the digital marketplace. The recent proposal also dismantled the current restrictions on in-app payment systems imposed by both Google and Apple.

The watchdog also instructed the developers and companies to charge “fair and reasonable fees,” lowering than current app store commissions. The savings should be reserved for the consumers or for innovation.

The regulator also required Apple to give access to its “near-field communication technology.” The access would allow developers to offer contactless payment services within iOS apps.

In response to the new ruling, Google issued a statement, “We have already ​made the ⁠changes that the CMA is proposing today.”

According to the tech giant, it introduced recent updates to Play Store terms, allowing the developers to direct users towards external payment methods along with restrictions and changes in its fee structure.

However, Apple has not yet responded to the proposal.