Facebook Claims Apple Rejected Update Notifying Users About Apple’s In-App Fees

Facebook is claiming that Apple rejected the company’s attempt to notify users that Apple would be taking a 30 percent cut of in-app sales in a new online events feature. Facebook was apparently forced to remove the notice in order to release the feature.

In a recent report from Reuters, Facebook’s new update enabled small businesses and influencers to create online events as a way to create revenue during the global crisis. Ticket sales to such events would be purchased directly through the app. As with the vast majority of in-app purchases, Apple would collect its 30 percent cut of each sale.

On iOS, the update was intended to come with a notice that Apple would take its 30 percent cut. However, Apple rejected that. Facebook has said that Apple cited an App Store guideline violation when rejecting the new update. According to Apple, developers are unable to show “irrelevant” information to users. The feature is available now via the Facebook app, sans any message notifying users.

Additionally, Facebook planned to include a message on the Google Play Store that it would not collect any fees from ticket sales. Though, that message does not currently appear either.

In a statement, a Facebook spokesperson said: “Now more than ever, we should have the option to help people understand where money they intend for small businesses actually goes. Unfortunately, Apple rejected our transparency notice around their 30% tax but we are still working to make that information available inside the app experience.”

As of the time of writing, Apple has not made a statement on the situation.

This matter comes during a time when Epic Games has been battling Apple over its App Store policies, criticizing the company over its 30 percent cut on in-app purchases. Epic has filed a suit over Apple after Fortnite was removed from the App Store following an update that circumvented the App Store payment solution. Spotify and Microsoft have been vocally supporting Epic’s endeavours.