TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, has been accused of breaking Apple’s rules by urging users to make purchases outside of the App Store. Screenshots shared by developer David Tesler show that TikTok prompts users to purchase coins through its website instead of using Apple’s in-app store purchase system, which would give Apple a 30 percent commission. In the screenshots, TikTok explicitly asks users to make the purchase on its website to save the service fee and gain access to popular payment methods. These coins are used by TikTok users to send tips to their favorite creators.
Apple’s ban of Fortnite from the App Store in 2020 for attempting a similar tactic is still fresh in people’s minds. However, there have been changes in Apple’s App Store rules since then, with lawsuits and policy adjustments taking place. Apple has softened its stance on apps sending users to alternative payment methods, allowing certain “reader” apps to provide digital products without going through Apple’s in-app purchase system. But, if an app does this, it cannot offer in-store purchases through Apple as well.
Additionally, Apple has introduced a new policy that permits external linking to alternative payment systems, but it still entails a commission for Apple. The commission drops from 30 percent to 27 percent for apps like TikTok. While this may be a savings on commissions for TikTok, it is not a significant one. Both Apple and TikTok have not provided any official statements regarding this matter.
It is unclear whether TikTok’s prompt circumventing in-app purchases is a test or if the app has obtained permission from Apple. The situation is reminiscent of the Fortnite controversy, but no definitive conclusions can be drawn at this time. What is clear, however, is that TikTok is finding ways to avoid Apple’s 30 percent commission fees in some cases.
