Google will bring Stadia gaming to iOS via a web app

Apple has extended its deadline for requiring in-app purchases for online group events within iOS apps from December to June 30 next year.

Apple cited the coronavirus pandemic, writing in a developer update posted to its website, "As the world fights COVID-19, we recognize that adapting experiences from in-person to digital continues to be a top priority".

During the downtime, Apple will not be accepting any new apps or app updates, so developers will need to make sure to lock in their pricing changes and new app submissions before the 23rd.

The tech giant earlier temporarily waived its customary 30 per cent App Store fee on in-app purchases for paid online events by small businesses on Facebook.

This deadline extension means developers have more time to incorporate in-app purchases in their apps where applicable and to temporarily reap the full profits of their sales.

In the midst of a highly contentious legal battle between Epic Games and Apple regarding claims of antitrust and monopolistic app store policies, there are changes coming down the pipe to App Store developers that could quell the heightened Epic Games rhetoric as well as expedite developer transition to a new M1 written app experience.

Google has recently come under fire from Korean lawmakers after it decided in September to push forward with the controversial in-app purchasing policy, which only allows the use of the company's own payment system that charges a 30 percent fee on all transactions made inside apps.

Existing developers who made up to $1 million in 2020 for all of their apps, as well as developers new to the App Store, can qualify for the program and the reduced commission.

To be launched on January 1, the programme comes at an important time as small and independent developers continue working to innovate and thrive during a period of unprecedented global economic challenge.