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It’s odd how Apple picks and chooses where to enforce this requirement. Netflix has been using their own billing system for years, yet I can still download Net

by xyst 2y ago

It’s odd how Apple picks and chooses where to enforce this requirement. Netflix has been using their own billing system for years, yet I can still download Netflix on iOS, tvOS app stores. Makes me wonder if there is an under the table deal between Netflix and Apple. On the topic of Patreon vs Apple. I am not a lawyer but this seems to have the same basis as the Epic Games vs Apple litigation.

shreddit 2y ago
AFAIK this is because you can not make changes to your subscription within the app. You have to visit the Netflix homepage. There is no “pay” button in Netflix, so they do not have to use apple’s payment system…
- xyst 2y ago
  If this is the case, I don’t understand why Patreon and other sites cannot adopt the same approach. Very easy to remove buy buttons in apps, and redirect users to patreon.com to manage subscriptions for content creators and “per content” payments. iOS and Google apps just used to view content. Patreon is a relatively small company so velocity to complete this effort even amongst multiple teams should be at most a few weeks. If this was a Fortune 500, I would probably estimate it at 2-3 months.
  - charrondev 2y ago
    If you do that Apple still takes a 27% commission today even after going through their special entitlement process. https://developer.apple.com/support/storekit-external-entitlement-us/ https://developer.apple.com/support/storekit-external-entitl... All purchases must still be allowed as in app purchases as well.
    - xyst 2y ago
      so, I give 30% to Apple for the “entitlement” to provide an external link? No, thanks. I’ll do it the Netflix way. Apps have read only content. No links to manage subs. Creator subscriptions managed strictly on desktop or browser. Or just do away with iOS App Store distribution until US government gets their shit in gear and break up these monopolies
matwood 2y ago
I know for awhile Netflix had this weird thing where you called a phone number and they would direct you to the Netflix website to sign up. It's not having their own billing system, but allowing purchases to be made in-app that triggers the requirement. Which as far as I can tell, Netflix does not allow. I just checked and I can't change my plan in the app.
- xyst 2y ago
  Maybe Patreon could leverage this loop hole as well. You can view content from creators in app. But only patreon.com can be used to manage subscriptions to each creator. No in-app purchases on Google or Apple App Stores. UX takes a small hit, but better than giving up 27-30% to Apple or Google.

by xyst 2y ago

shreddit 2y ago

AFAIK this is because you can not make changes to your subscription within the app. You have to visit the Netflix homepage. There is no “pay” button in Netflix, so they do not have to use apple’s payment system…

xyst 2y ago
If this is the case, I don’t understand why Patreon and other sites cannot adopt the same approach. Very easy to remove buy buttons in apps, and redirect users to patreon.com to manage subscriptions for content creators and “per content” payments. iOS and Google apps just used to view content. Patreon is a relatively small company so velocity to complete this effort even amongst multiple teams should be at most a few weeks. If this was a Fortune 500, I would probably estimate it at 2-3 months.
- charrondev 2y ago
  If you do that Apple still takes a 27% commission today even after going through their special entitlement process. https://developer.apple.com/support/storekit-external-entitlement-us/ https://developer.apple.com/support/storekit-external-entitl... All purchases must still be allowed as in app purchases as well.
  - xyst 2y ago
    so, I give 30% to Apple for the “entitlement” to provide an external link? No, thanks. I’ll do it the Netflix way. Apps have read only content. No links to manage subs. Creator subscriptions managed strictly on desktop or browser. Or just do away with iOS App Store distribution until US government gets their shit in gear and break up these monopolies

matwood 2y ago

I know for awhile Netflix had this weird thing where you called a phone number and they would direct you to the Netflix website to sign up. It's not having their own billing system, but allowing purchases to be made in-app that triggers the requirement. Which as far as I can tell, Netflix does not allow. I just checked and I can't change my plan in the app.

xyst 2y ago
Maybe Patreon could leverage this loop hole as well. You can view content from creators in app. But only patreon.com can be used to manage subscriptions to each creator. No in-app purchases on Google or Apple App Stores. UX takes a small hit, but better than giving up 27-30% to Apple or Google.