TikTok Could Be Breaking Apple App Store Rules By Dodging In-App Purchase Fees

According to reports, TikTok is instructing certain users to purchase coins from an external website in order to bypass the in-app purchase fees charged by the Apple App Store.

According to a report from TechCrunch, TikTok is providing certain users with a link to an external website where they can purchase coins to tip creators. These coins are intended to be bought through Apple’s in-app purchases. However, for each purchase made, TikTok is reported to pay a 30% commission to Apple.

Some users are not able to buy coins through an external site. A screenshot of the updated payment process was shared by David Tesler, a tipster for TechCrunch, who noticed it appeared for an account that had previously bought a significant number of coins. This could imply that TikTok is currently experimenting with the feature on users who have previously made coin purchases.

TikTok might get banned from the app store next weekWhy? It looks like they’re circumventing apple fee by directing users to purchase coins via external payment methods pic.twitter.com/VG8ihvsRmv

— David Tesler (@getdavenow) April 30, 2024

According to Lesler’s shared screenshots, TikTok is displaying a screen with the message “Try recharging on tiktok.com to avoid in-app service fees,”along with a “Try now”link. Some users have reported seeing a similar message promoting potential savings by recharging on the website. One pop-up shared by TechCrunch states, “You can save the service fee and gain access to popular payment methods.”

In January of this year, Apple updated its App Store Guidelines to permit developers to include links to alternative payment systems within their apps. However, the company still mandates a commission of 12% for members of the App Store Small Business program and 27% for non-members.

Despite not being considered a small business, TikTok is still expected to pay Apple a 27% commission on external purchases. This contradicts TikTok’s intention to offer a 25% discount to users who purchase coins through their website. At this time, TikTok has not yet commented on this matter.

If it’s proven that TikTok is avoiding paying commissions, Apple may decide to remove it from the App Store. A similar situation occurred with Fortnite, and the game is currently not accessible on the App Store.