{"id":46722,"date":"2025-02-12T14:11:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T19:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mjtsai.com\/blog\/?p=46722"},"modified":"2025-02-12T14:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T19:11:11","slug":"app-store-advanced-commerce-api","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mjtsai.com\/blog\/2025\/02\/12\/app-store-advanced-commerce-api\/","title":{"rendered":"App Store Advanced Commerce API"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apple<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

To further support developers’ evolving business models — such as exceptionally large content catalogs, creator experiences, and subscriptions with optional add-ons — we’re introducing the Advanced Commerce API.<\/p>\n

Developers can apply to use the Advanced Commerce API to support eligible App Store business models and more flexibly manage their In-App Purchases within their app.<\/p>\n

[…]<\/p>\n

Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Hartley Charlton<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Apple’s announcement appears to be part of a broader effort to refine its App Store policies following scrutiny, particularly in the European Union. This particular API appears to be a direct response to challenges faced by apps with unconventional monetization models, such as Patreon, an online platform that enables creators to offer paid memberships to their audiences.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

Dimitri Bouniol<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Is this a response to Kindle needing an entry for every book in their catalogue, or a response to apps like Patreon where every creator needs an IAP assigned to them? (either way, it looks like it’ll do little to win over those platforms)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

To me it seems like checking a box rather than addressing the fundamental issues.<\/p>\n\n

Steve Troughton-Smith<\/a>:<\/p>\n

“If you already have access to the Advanced Commerce API and would like to make updates, like adding product identifiers, new business models, significant price changes, you’ll need to submit your updates to the Advanced Commerce API Access form.”<\/p>

Why would any large catalog apps sign up for this? This is a trap<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

Damien Petrilli<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Real title: “Apple announce 30% tax on patreon style content”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

David Barnard<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

Apple first announced the Advanced Commerce API at WWDC in June of 2024, but offered no documentation and only a vague description of what it would do. With yesterday’s announcement they have now provided a detailed overview<\/a> and full documentation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[…]<\/p>\n

There are thousands of creators on X that now offer subscriptions. Each creator sets their own price and X users can subscribe to as many accounts as they want to. Without the Advanced Commerce API, apps like X would need to create products for each creator subscription manually in App Store connect in it’s own subscription group.<\/p>\n

[…]<\/p>\n

On the web, YouTube TV allows customers to purchase add-ons that enhance functionality and add additional content. Google could now offer that same functionality on the App Store with the core package and ad-ons billed and managed as a single subscription.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He lists a bunch of limitations but overall seems bullish on this change, saying that “it shows Apple’s willingness to evolve the App Store for developers’ needs.”<\/p>\n\n

Previously:<\/p>\n