Apple directed to allow 3rd party payments options for dating apps, tech giant to appeal for higher court

In compliance with a ruling by the Dutch regulator, Apple will let dating app developers to offer alternative payment options in the Netherlands. The tech giant, on the other hand, has decided to appeal against the decision in a higher court.

In the meantime, Apple is introducing two optional new entitlements on the Netherlands App Store that are only available to dating applications and provide provide additional payment processing options for users.

"Dating app developers who want to continue using Apple's in-app purchase system may do so and no further action is needed," the company said in a statement.

The move follows recent instructions from the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) allowing dating app developers to share additional payment processing options with users on the App Store in the country.

According to the corporation, it is concerned that these changes will compromise the user experience and bring new threats to user privacy and data security.

"In the meantime, we are obligated to make the mandated changes which we`re launching today and we will provide further information shortly," said Apple.

"Because Apple will not be directly aware of purchases made using alternative methods, 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 these alternative purchasing methods. You will be responsible for addressing such issues with customers," the tech giant warned in a message to developers on its site.

Because "we do not believe these orders are in our users` best interests, we have appealed the ACM`s decision to a higher court", Apple said.