Apple has released new App Store rules on Friday before the scheduled debut of its latest iOS 14 operating system. These new guidelines will help customers allow or deny updates and apps on their App Store.
These new rules were under extreme scrutiny from app creators who agree that Apple has so much control of what app can run on their devices as well as how the tech company takes their cut of the payments from these apps.
Just recently, Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, is locked in a legal battle with the tech giant regarding its many detailed guidelines such as Apple’s rule to use in-app purchases in digital products. Fortnite was taken away from the Apple Store last month.
A significant part of the new guidelines was about Apple Store’s game streaming service. Because of this new rule, gaming apps from Facebook and Microsoft have become restricted when it comes to what these applications can do on Apple devices. XCloud from Microsoft is not compatible with iOS, while the Facebook gaming app does not have games when used in an iPhone.
Meanwhile, Apple says that game streaming from Google Stadia and Microsoft xCloud are permitted; however, there are some things to consider. Games that are offered by Google and Microsoft should be from the App Store and not downloaded from an all in one application.
App creators are allowed to offer a catalog app that will connect other games to the service; however, each of the games must be an app. If a game streaming service has several rounds, each of these must be an individual and separate app and must have a specific listing at the App Store. Also, each game must have a developer relationship with the iPhone maker.
When a game is downloaded, each must have basic functionality. These games and stores must have an in-app purchase through Apple’s payment system, where the company takes 30% of the profits.
A representative from Microsoft claimed that this is not going to be suitable for customers as most gamers will want to immediately play a game from their catalog, just like what they can do when they download songs or movies instead of downloading more than 100 apps to enjoy individual titles from the cloud.
Apple has strict control of its app platform, and it says it is needed for the security and safety of its consumers. The company does not have cloud gaming but has Apple Arcade instead. It is a bundled service of top iOS games.
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