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by dcchambers 1702 days ago
I think the solution is for Apple to require that all payments at least have the option of being made through the app store payment system, while allowing developers that want to take the time and effort to set up outside payments do that as well.

Consumers can continue to use app-store payments if they wish (and I bet the vast majority would), but developers and companies can no longer complain about Apple's monopoly over payment processing.

2 comments

The problem with this is that using Apple Pay would be more expensive and so why would anyone use it?
Security and peace-of-mind, as the other commenter requested. Convenience - already having a credit card linked and ready to go.

Also who is to say the developer would charge less? Let's say, for example, a company called ezpay charges $1 per transaction. If an IAP costs $10, they make $7 off the user who buys via Apple, and $9 off the user that buys via ezpay API in the app. They could lower the ezpay price to $8 and still only make $7, but why bother?

Virtually no one is concerned with the security of card payments on non apple processors. They have been typing their card numbers in to stripe/paypal/etc for years.

Only the tiniest % of HN idealists will pay 30% extra to have it go through Apple.

A bunch of people here just mentioned they love the fact that the payment is handled by Apple for piece of mind. So I guess that would be why?
If competing payment methods were reasonably available then maybe Apple Pay would lower its fees.
Are you sure they wouldn't considering it would be 15%-20% cheaper?
Who is to say the developer would charge less? Let's say, for example, a company called ezpay charges $1 per transaction. If an IAP costs $10, the dev makes $7 off the user who buys via Apple, and $9 off the user that buys via ezpay API in the app. They could lower the ezpay price to $8 and still only make $7, but why bother?
Because another company will offer the same product for slightly cheaper now that their fees are lower.

Google One already charges you less if you subscribe via web or android. They just haven't been allowed to advertise this fact in the iOS app.