Japan App Store Gets Alternative Marketplaces, Third-Part...

What’s Happening Alright so Apple today introduced several changes to the App Store in Japan to meet the requirements of the Mobile software Competition Act (MSCA) that goes into effect on December 18. The MSCA is similar to Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) so the Japanese App Store will work a lot like the EU App Store , but there are some differences. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s changing as of today: Side Button - Users in Japan will be able to change what the side button does, and Japan App Store Gets Alternative Marketplaces, Third-Party Payments and More Wednesday 5:00 pm PST by Juli Clover Apple today introduced several changes to the App Store in Japan to meet the requirements of the Mobile software Competition Act (MSCA) that goes into effect on December 18. (and honestly, same) Payment options - Developers can offer in-app purchases, accept third-party payments in their apps, or direct users to a site to make a purchase. ## The Details Alternative app marketplaces - Apps can be distributed through alternative app marketplaces instead of the App Store . Users can set an alternative app marketplace as their default marketplace instead of the App Store . Fee changes - New fees range from 5% to 26% depending on distribution method and payment method. Browser choice - Users are prompted to select a default browser at setup. ## Why This Matters Search engine choice - Users are prompted to choose a default Search engine at setup. Navigation apps - Users in Japan can select a different navigation app. Alternative Payment Options There is a notable difference between how alternative payment options are implemented in Japan and how they are implemented in the EU. This is part of the broader shift happening across the tech industry right now. ## The Bottom Line Developers in Japan are required to display third-party digital purchase options alongside in-app purchase options, so users can choose to use in-app purchase if desired. Purchase screens can link to a site or use a third-party payment service for end-to-end checkout directly in an app, but those two alternative payment options must be displayed right alongside an in-app purchase option. Thoughts? Drop them below.