South Korea fined Apple and Google for steering app makers to their own payment systems, and told Apple to let developers link to outside payment options.
South Korea's media regulator has fined Apple 20.8 billion won ($15.5 million) and ordered it to let developers link to outside payment options from their apps. Google was fined 42.9 billion won ($32 million). The Associated Press reported the news, and MacRumors covered it.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission said Apple and Google effectively require developers to use their payment systems. That breaks a 2021 South Korean law meant to allow alternatives. Both companies let developers use third-party payment services inside apps, but charged a 26% commission and restricted some features. Rules against external payment links limited developers' other options.
The companies must also improve their app review processes. The commission found some reviews were delayed with no clear explanation or restart date. It also found Apple charged South Korean developers higher commissions than overseas developers between 2015 and January 2023.
Apple says it disagrees with the ruling and is considering its legal options. It says its policies comply with South Korean law and that its payment system helps protect customers against fraud. The material does not say whether Apple will appeal, or when any changes would reach apps. For everyday users, more payment choices inside apps and developers keeping more of each sale are possible results, but neither is confirmed.
South Korea says Apple and Google pushed developers toward their own payment systems, and Apple is weighing a legal response.
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