Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan

Apple has introduced updates to iOS apps in Japan in response to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). These changes provide developers with additional ways to distribute applications via alternative marketplaces and handle payments for digital goods outside of Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Apple has prioritized implementing protections to mitigate the increased privacy and security risks posed by these regulatory requirements, aiming to maintain a secure experience for Japanese users.
The MSCA mandates support for alternative distribution and payment methods, which could introduce risks such as malware, scams, fraud, and inappropriate content. In collaboration with Japanese authorities, Apple has added measures like app Notarization, marketplace authorization, and specific safeguards for minors to counter these threats.
Although these steps help limit risks, they do not fully eliminate them. Apple remains committed to working with regulators to further strengthen user protections on iOS.
Developers can access details on these new features through the Apple Developer Support page and begin implementation with the iOS 26.2 update available today.
New Options for App Distribution on iOS in Japan
The App Store continues to offer the most secure and reliable way for users in Japan to find and install apps, with comprehensive reviews ensuring high standards for privacy, security, and age-appropriate content.
Under the MSCA, developers now have the choice to distribute iOS apps through authorized alternative marketplaces. These marketplaces must receive Apple’s approval and adhere to ongoing standards, but apps installed from them will lack the full protections of the App Store Review process, potentially exposing users to greater risks of fraud, scams, or harmful content.
To address some of these concerns, Apple is applying Notarization—a review combining automated and human checks—to all iOS apps, verifying basic functionality and screening for malware. This is less rigorous than full App Store Review.
More information for developers on alternative marketplaces is available on the Apple Developer Support page.
New Payment Options in App Store Apps
Users in Japan can still rely on Apple In-App Purchase for secure transactions, refunds, subscription management, and purchase history within the App Store.
To meet MSCA requirements, developers can now integrate alternative payment methods or direct users to external websites for transactions in their App Store-distributed apps. These options must be shown alongside Apple In-App Purchase for transparency.
Transactions via alternative methods reduce Apple’s ability to provide support, refunds, or fraud protection, and may require sharing payment details with third parties, increasing privacy risks.
Updated Business Terms for iOS Apps in Japan
Apple has revised its terms to account for the new distribution and payment options, ensuring compensation for the value provided to developers regardless of their use of the App Store or In-App Purchase.
Key changes include:

App Store commission: Reduced to 10% (or 21%) for most developers on digital goods transactions.
Apple payment processing fee: Additional 5% for using In-App Purchase.
Store services commission: 15% (or reduced rates) for external website transactions linked from apps.
Core Technology Commission: 5% for apps distributed outside the App Store on digital sales.

Overall, developers selling digital goods in Japan will pay the same or less under these terms.
Protections for Children’s Online Safety
Apple emphasizes child safety features in the App Store, including age ratings and parental controls. The new options may heighten risks for minors, such as exposure to inappropriate content.
Specific safeguards include restrictions on external transaction links in Kids category apps, parental gates for users under 18, and prohibitions on web links for transactions in apps for users under 13. Apple is also developing APIs for parental monitoring of alternative payments.
Additional iOS Updates
iOS 26.2 introduces user choice screens for browsers and search engines, default controls for navigation and marketplaces, support for alternative browser engines, side-button access for voice apps, and interoperability requests.
MacDailyNews Note: Detailed developer resources are available on the Apple Developer Support page.

‎
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan appeared first on MacDailyNews.