Apple updates offer enhanced options for developers to distribute apps and handle payments. They also include improved safeguards to mitigate privacy and security risks posed by the MSCA.

Apple announced changes for iOS apps in Japan to follow the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). These updates allow developers to distribute apps on other marketplaces. Additionally they also enable handling payments for digital goods outside of Apple In-App Purchase. Apple aims to minimize new privacy and security risks from this law, ensuring a safe experience for users in Japan.

Furthermore the MSCA’s requirements for alternative app marketplaces and app payments open new avenues for malware, fraud, and scams. They also introduce new privacy and security risks. Apple has worked with Japanese regulators to introduce protections from new threats including important safeguards for younger users. These protections include Notarization for iOS apps and an authorization process for app marketplaces. Additionally, there are requirements that help protect children from inappropriate content and scams.

Generally these safeguards do not eliminate the new risks. However, they are essential to Apple’s work. Henceforth, these measures ensure iOS remains the best, most secure mobile platform available in Japan. Apple will continue to engage with regulators on strengthening protections for iOS users.

Developers can learn about the new capabilities on the Apple Developer Support page . They can integrate these into their apps beginning today as part of the iOS 26.2 release.

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Apple inc. Latest Options for Developers to Distribute Apps on iOS in Japan

Undoubtedly the App Store is where every app is reviewed to meet its high bar for privacy and security. Therefore it remains the best place for iOS users in Japan to discover and download the apps they love. This includes App Store features that protect users against fraud and scams. These features empower parents to ensure their kids have age-appropriate experiences.

In this case With the MSCA’s new requirements, developers will have a new option. They can distribute iOS apps in Japan using alternative app marketplaces. These marketplaces are different from the App Store. Apple will have to authorize alternative app marketplaces. These marketplaces will need to meet ongoing requirements to serve developers and users. However, apps downloaded outside the App Store will not benefit from the same protections Apple provides through App Review. This introduces new risks for apps that contain scams, fraud, and abuse. It may also expose users to illicit, objectionable, or harmful content not allowed on the App Store.

Addressing the New Risks

Further more to address new risks, Apple will perform a baseline review called Notarization for all iOS apps. This process checks basic functionality and protects users from serious threats. It combines automated checks and human reviews to ensure apps work as intended and are free from malware or viruses. However, Notarization is not as thorough as the App Review process used for all App Store apps.

Developers can learn more about operating or distributing from alternative app marketplaces on the new Apple Developer Support page.

New Options for Payments in Apple Store Apps on iOS

On the App Store, users in Japan can continue to use Apple In-App Purchase to buy digital goods and services, manage subscriptions, request refunds, as well as view their payment history.

To follow the MSCA rules, Apple is providing developers with new tools. In this case these tools allow them to offer more payment options for digital goods as well as services in their apps on the App Store in Japan. For this reason now, developers can add alternative payment methods inside their iOS apps or link users to a website to complete purchases.

Nevertheless alternative payment choices will always be shown alongside Apple’s own In-App Purchase option. Users will know when they are paying through Apple. When users pay with Apple In-App Purchase, they keep benefits like refund support, subscription management, and the ability to report problems. Only purchases made through Apple In-App Purchase will appear in users’ purchase history and subscription lists.

However, if users pay using the alternative options or through a website link, Apple won’t be able to provide refunds or as much customer support. Users might also have to share payment info with other parties, which could bring extra privacy and security risks.

Apple Updated Business Terms for iOS Apps in Japan

In this case therefore Apple is sharing updated business terms for developers’ iOS apps in Japan. These updates reflect options for app distribution as well as payment processing. These business terms show the many ways Apple creates value for developers’ apps. This applies whether or not they use the App Store and/or Apple In-App Purchase.

Nonetheless for the business terms for iOS apps in Japan, Apple will continue to only charge a commission on the sale of digital goods and services. The new terms include:

The New Terms

• App Store commission: iOS apps on the App Store will pay a reduced commission of 10 percent for most developers. This includes members of the Small Business Program, Video Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program. It applies to subscriptions after their first year. A 21 percent commission will apply to transactions for digital goods and services. The App Store commission reflects the value of the tools, technology, and services. These resources enable developers to create apps. It also includes App Store distribution, discovery, and ongoing services.

• Apple payment processing fee: In their iOS apps on the App Store, developers have an option for payment processing. They can use Apple In-App Purchase. This service incurs an additional 5 percent fee.

• Store services commission: iOS apps on the App Store will pay a commission of 15 percent. This applies to transactions for digital goods. Services made on a website linked by the developer’s app will also incur this commission. Developers in the programs mentioned above, and subscriptions following their first year, will pay a reduced rate of 10 percent.

• Core Technology Commission: iOS apps distributed outside of the App Store will pay a 5 percent commission. This is applicable on the sale of digital goods and services. This includes paid apps. The Core Technology Commission provides compensation to Apple for the tools and technologies. These tools and technologies enable developers to build and share their apps with iOS users.

Impacts to Kids’ Online Safety

Apple created the App Store to be a safe place for kids. It empowers parents to ensure their children have age-appropriate experiences. Parents also have the tools they need to keep their children safe online. That’s why Apple has created industry-leading features. These include age ratings, Content & Privacy Restrictions, content filters, Ask to Buy, and powerful controls. These tools help parents choose how children use their devices.

The MSCA introduces changes. The new options for alternative distribution and payment methods may expose children to new risks. For instance, apps downloaded from outside the App Store may include illicit and objectionable content. They do not go through the rigorous review process. This process is what Apple uses to evaluate apps made for children on the App Store. In Europe, similar regulatory changes have enabled new types of apps. Some of these were previously unavailable on iOS. These include pornography apps.

Apple Partners with Japanese Regulators to Protect Children from Fraud and Scams

In an effort to reduce new risks of fraud or scams targeting children, Apple has worked with regulators in Japan to preserve some guardrails, including:

• Apps in the Kids category on the App Store will not include links to websites to complete transactions. This measure is to reduce the risk of fraud or scams targeting children.

• For users under 18 years old, all apps from the App Store that use alternative payment processing must have a parental gate. This guarantees parental involvement. This requirement ensures younger users involve their parent or guardian before making a purchase when linking to a website for transactions.

• For users under 13 years old, apps from the App Store cannot link to websites for transactions. This policy protects against the risk of scams that target younger kids.

• Apple is developing a new API for developers using alternative payments. This will enable parents to monitor and approve purchases made outside of Apple In-App Purchase.

Developers must continue to provide age ratings for their apps. This applies whether their app is distributed on the App Store or an alternative app marketplace.

Apple will continue innovating to meet the evolving risks to kids’ safety online. It will build on the powerful tools and features it makes available today. These include Child Accounts, web content filters, app restrictions, and monitoring tools like Screen Time and Family Sharing. In addition, Communication Safety and Communication Limits help parents shape who their children communicate with. They also shield them from inappropriate content.

Additional Updates to iOS

Apple has introduced additional controls and choices for users in Japan with the release of iOS 26. There are new app distribution and payment options. Apple has introduced additional controls and choices for users in Japan with the release of iOS 26.2. These include:

• A browser choice screen. There is also a search engine choice experience. These give users in Japan new ways to pick their preferred browser. Users can also choose their preferred search engine.

• Default controls for navigation apps and app marketplaces.

Across these controls, users can review and adjust their choices at any time in Settings.

For developers, Apple is sharing tools in addition to the new options for alternative distribution and app payments, including:

• There are new options for developers of browser apps. They can use alternative browser engines other than WebKit. These options come with strict security and privacy requirements.

• A new API enables developers of voice-based conversational apps. It provides users the option to launch their app with the iPhone side button.

• A process to request interoperability with core technologies in iPhone and iOS.

Apple is providing detailed resources to help developers understand the options now available for their apps in Japan. Developers can access these resources from the Apple Developer Support page.