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Apple becomes a debt collector with its new developer agreement
TechCrunch· 2025-12-18 23:56
Core Changes in Developer Agreement - Apple has updated its developer license agreement to allow the company to recoup unpaid funds by deducting them from in-app purchases processed on behalf of developers [1][3] - The new agreement enables Apple to collect fees from developers who use external payment systems, requiring them to report those payments back to Apple [1][3] Financial Implications for Developers - The updated agreement gives Apple a mechanism to collect what it believes are correct fees if a developer underreports earnings [2][3] - Apple can recoup funds from in-app purchases, including digital goods, services, subscriptions, and one-time fees for paid applications [3][4] Legal and Regional Considerations - The changes will affect developers in regions like the EU, US, and Japan, where local laws may require varying fees or commissions [3][5] - In the U.S., the legality of Apple's commission collection is still under dispute, with a recent federal appeals court ruling allowing for some commission collection [3] Payment Collection Rights - Apple has the right to collect unpaid amounts from any affiliates, parents, or subsidiaries related to the account that owes money, potentially impacting other apps from the same developer or parent company [6] - The agreement allows Apple to collect owed amounts "at any time," which could lead to unexpected deductions for developers [4][6] Additional Modifications - The updated agreement includes new sections on age assurance technology, specific terms for iOS apps in Japan, and requirements for voice-based assistants activated via the iPhone [7][8] - Apple is introducing restrictions on recordings made without user awareness, although it is not outright banning such recordings [8][9]