Apple implemented a number of new policies for the App Store during the WWDC 2021 event that it hosted. These changes included alterations to the guidelines governing everything from bounty hunting to the determination of whether or not Roblox qualifies as a game. Apple is reminding developers that it is ready to turn the switch on some policy updates that were previously delayed. The WWDC 2022 event is set to begin on June 6th, and Apple has announced that it will be starting the event.
Apple has confirmed that two changes to the rules governing the App Store will go into effect on June 30. The first of these is a requirement that apps that offer paid online group services use its in-app payment system. The second is a requirement that mandates developers offer easy account deletions (including stored personal data) within any app that allows users to create an account. Apple has stated that both of these requirements will go into effect on June 30.
It should be noted that the regulation concerning online group services (such as classes and events) predates the WWDC 2021 set of modifications; however, Apple has postponed the implementation of this regulation on three separate occasions. The first delay occurred in 2020 as a result of Facebook’s complaints that it would have an unfair impact on vulnerable small businesses. A second delay occurred in the spring of 2021. It was supposed to go into effect this past January, along with the policy that would permit users to delete their accounts from within an application. However, neither of these things happened.
However, on January 22nd, Apple announced that it would be pushing the deadline for both changes back a few more months, to June 30th. The company stated that this would give developers more time to update their apps, and we don’t anticipate any further delays now that Apple has reminded developers. Both of these policies are mentioned on the page that details upcoming changes for developers. The one policy is a note about the account deletion requirement, which you can read below.