TikTok allegedly bypassing Apple App Store fees: Here's how
What's the story
TikTok, the video-sharing platform owned by ByteDance, is offering a unique method to select users, for purchasing coins used for tipping content creators.
This new feature appears to circumvent the usual 30% commission fee charged by Apple's App Store.
Users are presented with messages such as "Try recharging on tiktok.com to avoid in-app service fees" and "You can save the service fee and get access to popular payment methods."
Redirection
New feature redirects users to the website
Upon clicking the provided link in these messages, users are redirected to tiktok.com/coin where they can purchase coins using various payment methods, including Apple Pay or debit/credit cards.
The website informs users that purchasing directly from TikTok, could result in savings of approximately 25% due to reduced third-party service fees.
This feature is not available to all users and the extent of its availability remains unclear.
Discrepancy
TikTok's coin packs differ on website and app
The website offers coin packs ranging from 70 coins up to 17,500 coins, with an option for users to enter a custom amount.
In contrast, within the app, coin packs start at 20 coins and go up to 16,500, with no option for a custom amount.
This discrepancy suggests that TikTok may be targeting users who typically purchase larger quantities of coins.
Rule infringement
TikTok's alleged infringement of Apple's external link rules
In 2022, Apple allowed certain app developers to include links to their websites within their apps, under specific conditions.
However, TikTok seems to be violating these rules by continuing to offer most of its users the option to buy via in-app purchases.
Neither TikTok nor Apple have issued a statement.
The future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain as President Joe Biden has signed a bill into law banning the app, although ByteDance plans to challenge this in court.