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Doesn't this violate the App Store guidelines? > Section 3.1.3(b) Multiplatform Services: > Apps that operate across multiple platforms may allow users to acc
by ihuman 8y ago
Doesn't this violate the App Store guidelines?
> Section 3.1.3(b) Multiplatform Services:
> Apps that operate across multiple platforms may allow users to access content, subscriptions, or features they have acquired elsewhere, including consumable items in multi-platform games, provided those items are also available as in-app purchases within the app. You must not directly or indirectly target iOS users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase, and your general communications about other purchasing methods must not discourage use of in-app purchase.
To me, it sounds like Netflix is, "directly or indirectly target iOS users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase." I'm not saying they should or shouldn't break the rules, I'm just saying that they are.
- scaasic 8y agoGiven that Spotify, a direct competitor to an Apple service, is allowed to remain while also breaking this rule makes it seem like this won't be enforced in Netflix's case. But who knows, maybe when Apple launches their video service they'll come down on both companies, and we'll see what happens.
- godzillabrennus 8y agoI think Apple would face backlash from too many of their customers if they boot netflix for this. Netflix is potentially more popular than iPhone as a brand. I could be wrong but it would be amazing to see it play out.
- amyjess 8y agoThey booted Amazon before for similar. Amazon caved. Edit: actually, it was Google, not Apple. Google Play's brand isn't as strong as the App Store, but Amazon still caved to Google, which only underscores my point. https://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/amazon-tried-and-failed-to-sneak-its-own-app-store-onto-google-play-1276738 https://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/amazon-... But there was a case back in 2011 where Amazon removed the Kindle Store from their iOS app at Apple's request: https://www.cultofmac.com/105966/amazon-caves-to-apple-removes-kindle-store-link-from-ios-app/ https://www.cultofmac.com/105966/amazon-caves-to-apple-remov...
- godzillabrennus 8y agoAmazon doesn’t have the entertainment brand that Netflix has nor the consumer dedication to the brand. People use amazon because it’s ubiquitous, inexpensive, and has good customer service. People love Netflix.
- vorpalhex 8y agoYes, they are running a gambit that their app is critical enough that Apple won't ban them. Given how many people use Netflix on their phones (a ton), that's a safe bet. Same gamble Spotify is doing and winning.
- binomialxenon 8y agoThis is a pretty shady restriction by Apple. I can see why they wouldn't want IAPs in games to be moved out-of-channel, but making it a violation for subscription services to send you to their website is pretty bad.