Apps that are distributed "solely in South Korea" can now include their own in-app payment system, but Apple will block certain App Store features if they do.
Following South Korea's introduction of new laws regarding app stores, Apple has now formally allowed developers to adopt their own in-app payment systems. Instead of all payments going via Apple and its own App Store, developers can choose alternatives — but with conditions.
In a new support document for developers, Apple says qualifying developers can use what it calls its StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement feature.
"This entitlement allows apps distributed on the App Store solely in South Korea the ability to provide an alternative in-app payment processing option," says Apple. "If you're considering using this entitlement, it's important to understand that some App Store features, such as Ask to Buy and Family Sharing, will not be available to your users, in part because we cannot validate payments that take place outside of the App Store's private and secure payment system."
"Apple will not be able to assist users with refunds, purchase history, subscription management, and other issues encountered when purchasing digital goods and services through an alternative purchasing method," it continues. "You will be responsible for addressing such issues."
The move follows Apple's previous responses to the South Korean law, which authorities there described as insufficient.
