Earlier this week it was announced that the new email service "Hey" could be kicked out of the App Store if it doesn't offer in-app purchases. Apple's chief marketing officer, Phil Schiller, has now commented on the matter.
The new email service "Hey" costs around $99 a year. However, the developers don't want to offer the subscription option via the app, but rather exclusively via their own website. The reason for this is the App Store fee. The team behind the email application doesn't want to pay for this. However, this practice violates App Store guidelines, which is why Apple could remove the application. Apple's chief marketing officer, Phil Schiller, has now spoken to TechCrunch. According to Schiller, Apple isn't planning to change the App Store rules just to accommodate the new "Hey" app. According to Schiller, there are "many things" the developers of "Hey" could do to make the app work within the existing App Store rules – and Apple would "love it if they would."
Exception for “Reader” apps
The current version of the "Hey" app offers neither in-app purchases nor a registration option. The application opens directly to a login screen, informing users that they cannot subscribe to the service within the app. Since Apple doesn't allow external links that bypass in-app purchase options, "Hey" also doesn't provide a link to the website where users can register. Schiller commented on this as follows:
They download the app and it doesn't work, we don't want that in the store. That's why Apple requires apps to offer the same purchasing functionality as elsewhere.
There's a rule in the App Store that states that apps that offer subscriptions or purchase options on the web or elsewhere must also offer in-app purchases so users can register directly on an iPhone or iPad. An exception applies to "reader" apps. Netflix and Spotify, for example, have applications in the App Store where users can't register for their services within the app itself, but must have an existing account. The "Hey" providers wanted the same exception. However, unlike streaming applications, an email service isn't considered a reader app. Schiller explained:
Schiller gives tips
We have not extended these exceptions to all software. Email is not and has never been an exception to this rule. Apple made a mistake in approving the original version of the Hey app and the app should have been rejected. Apple did indeed reject Hey's Mac App Store application, but the iOS application slipped through.
Schiller went on to explain that the developers of "Hey" have a number of options to help them comply with Apple's rules and remain on the App Store. He cited examples such as charging different prices in the app and on the web, or offering a free version with additional paid features that can be purchased through the Hey website. However, he ruled out changing the App Store guidelines. Whether the Basecamp team will take this to heart remains to be seen. If you want to read the full interview, you can find the article here. (Image: Apple)
