Firstly: If you don't direct or mention about the external payment system in the app it doesn't break any of Apple rules. They can charge 1000$ on their own web

Firstly: If you don't direct or mention about the external payment system in the app it doesn't break any of Apple rules. They can charge 1000$ on their own website and not pay a penny to Apple if they just don't link to their payment system in the app. Secondly: My main issue is that the article is misleading the public to think Apple forced them to monetize a plan that was free. That is the farthest thing from the truth it can be. You are allowed to sell free apps and services on iOS. Whether the app is free/paid or a service on top of the app is paid is not really Apple's concern. The concern is directing users to an external payment system.