It was reported that WordPress will soon be introducing custom domain names and premium plans on the app too. Interestingly, several reports went on to suggest that Apple had forced the free blogging app towards monetization in order to get its usual 30 percent commission on all the in-app purchases. But, surprisingly, soon after the reports emerged, Apple issued an on-record apology to WordPress apologizing for the confusion. The statement further noted that the blogging platform does not need to add any in-app purchases either. As per The Verge report, Apple’s statement read, “We believe the issue with the WordPress app has been resolved. Since the developer removed the display of their service payment options from the app, it is now a free stand-alone app and does not have to offer in-app purchases. We have informed the developer and apologize for any confusion that we have caused.”
Apple App Store and Controversial 30 percent cut
For the uninitiated, Apple takes a 30 percent commission cut on all in-app purchases from mobile applications available on its App Store.Apple was reportedly forcing WordPress to integrate its own in-app purchases features into the app. WordPress developer Matt Mullenweg was quoted saying that Apple had threatened to restrict him from introducing further updates to the iOS app. Besides, several media outlets have also raised questions that the WordPress app was already a free stand-alone application.While some did report a Plans tab on the older versions of the app, they also added that the function wasn’t working in any case. The Verge also noted in its report that the WordPress developer hadapparentlyalready offered to take down other mentions of the paid plans too out of the app. But, the offer was rejected at the time by the iPhone manufacturer. Many other reports in the past have also accused Apple of forcing free apps to introduce in-app purchases so as to increase its own revenues through the 30 percent cut. Nevertheless, Matt Mullenweg was quick to acknowledge the Apple apology and sort out dispute with the tech giant. Mullenweg tweeted, “I am very grateful that folks at Apple re-reviewed @WordPress iOS and have let us know we do not need to implement in-app purchases to be able to continue to update the app.” Notably, the Apple-WordPress controversy erupted at a time when the iPhone maker is already in the news for being at loggerheads with Epic Games. The gaming giant accused of bypassing Apple commission cuts saw its popular gaming app, Fortnite removed from Apple Store. However, rather than backing down, Epic Games went on to file a lawsuit against the tech giant asking for the app’s return on App Store. Furthermore, it is also going ahead with the launch of new Marvel themed Fortnite season scheduled for Thursday. While the Apple-WordPress controversy seems to have been resolved, it would be interesting to see how the legal battle between Apple and Epic Games will proceed. Until then, stay tuned to TechThirsty for all the trending tech updates.
