Apple Introduces Advanced Commerce API, Expanding In-App Purchases to New Formats

Apple announced the launch of its new Advanced Commerce API on Thursday, designed to support a wider range of in-app purchase formats, including subscriptions and content add-ons. The company clarified that despite the introduction of this API, it will not be altering its current commission structure to accommodate these new use cases.

“The App Store facilitates billions of transactions annually to help developers grow their businesses and provide a world-class customer experience. To further support developers’ evolving business models — such as exceptionally large content catalogs, creator experiences, and subscriptions with optional add-ons — we’re introducing the Advanced Commerce API,” the company said in an announcement.

In a supporting document, Apple elaborated on the various use cases and the criteria for apps and developers to qualify for this program, organized into three main categories. Apple has outlined three primary use cases. The first involves applications that feature extensive libraries of one-time purchases that receive regular updates, like audiobooks or courses.

The second pertains to apps that incorporate creator-led content, allowing users to buy access to this content either as a one-time purchase or through a renewable subscription. Lastly, the third use case focuses on users acquiring add-ons within a subscription service, such as extra channels, sports, or regional content, available as renewable purchases.

Last year, Apple urged the creator platform Patreon to adopt the App Store billing system for creator content, warning that failure to comply could result in removal from the platform. The company announced that it will begin the gradual transition to Apple’s payment system for its iOS app, aiming to finish the process by November 2025. Apple’s choice to introduce a new API may aim to enhance support for use cases such as those found on Patreon.

Following the EU’s mandate for Apple to permit alternative payment processing and third-party app stores, the company has been actively working to enhance the value proposition for developers to remain within its ecosystem. The company has begun permitting retro game emulators globally. Additionally, it introduced a method for developers to provide discounts to customers who have let their subscriptions lapse.