Apple announced that with the release of visionOS 1.2, users of the Vision Pro augmented reality headset in the European Union (EU) will have access to alternative payment methods in the Vision Pro App Store. This decision is a direct consequence of the current European antitrust Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Apple has confirmed that alternative payment methods already available on iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS will now be available in the app store for the Vision Pro augmented reality headset. The innovation may impact the revenue distribution landscape between the tech giant and its army of developers.
Apple is preparing for the European debut of Vision Pro. Pre-orders for the device started on June 28 in France and Germany, as well as in Australia, Canada, and the UK. The X-hour will come on July 12th – on this day Vision Pro will officially go on sale in the above-mentioned countries. However, using alternative payment methods will require an update to visionOS 1.2, which will likely be in sync with the on-sale date.
The alternative payments mechanism in visionOS will mirror what already exists on other Apple platforms in the EU. Instead of charging users through the App Store, they will be redirected to an alternative payment platform or website to complete the purchase. However, despite this legal workaround, developers will still be required to pay Apple fees on these transactions.
Compliance with European Regulations
Apple’s quest to meet DMA requirements is not limited to visionOS. Last month, the company released the second beta of iPadOS 18 to developers. It brought the same innovations to tablets that previously appeared on the iPhone, including alternative payment methods, alternative app stores, and support for third-party browser engines.
Despite Apple’s best efforts to adapt to the new rules, the European Commission appears to remain adamant in its assessment of the Cupertino tech giant’s actions, notes NIX Solutions. The regulator clearly hinted that if the company continues to teeter on the edge of complying with the letter of the law, it will face fines. This creates further tension between the tech giant and European authorities. We’ll keep you updated as this situation evolves. It is possible that in the foreseeable future this could lead to even more radical changes in Apple’s policy.