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App Store

Barnes & Noble Adds Direct Purchase Links to Nook iOS App Amid App Store Policy Shift

By Robert DeLuca in Nook on

Barnes & Noble has updated its Nook app for iPhone and iPad to include a new "buy on BN.com" button, a significant development for digital reading enthusiasts navigating Apple’s evolving App Store landscape. The update comes in direct response to recent shifts in Apple’s in-app purchase policies following regulatory intervention, according to MacRumors.

How the New Nook Purchase Flow Works

With this latest version, users browsing titles in the Nook iOS app will now encounter a button that redirects them to the Barnes & Noble website in their browser. Purchasing e-books or audiobooks externally allows content to sync seamlessly back to the Nook app, enabling an experience closer to the streamlined purchases available in competing digital ecosystems. No change in pricing or public statements from Apple or Barnes & Noble have been reported.

Policy Shift Triggered by

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App Store Surpasses $1.3 Trillion: Inside Apple’s Expanding Developer Ecosystem

By Robert DeLuca in App Store on

Apple’s App Store Drives Unprecedented $1.3 Trillion Developer Economy in 2024

Apple has announced that the global App Store ecosystem generated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales for 2024, a milestone underscoring both the platform’s economic scale and its continued growth as a global marketplace for digital innovation. The data, compiled in a report by Analysis Group and funded by Apple, arrives ahead of the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and delineates a platform at the intersection of developer opportunity, regulatory scrutiny, and evolving monetization strategies.

Key Metrics Show Major Growth Across Segments

According to the Analysis Group study, the App Store ecosystem nearly tripled since 2019, rising from $514 billion to $1.3 trillion across digital goods, physical goods, and in-app advertising. Physical goods and services—primarily driven by global surges in online food delivery and grocery ordering—accounted for over $1 trillion of

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Apple Forced to Uphold External Purchase Links as Appeals Court Denies Stay

By Robert DeLuca in App Store on

Ninth Circuit Denies Apple’s Bid to Delay App Store Rule Changes

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has denied Apple’s emergency request to delay rule changes to its U.S. App Store operations, a decision with immediate implications for both developers and Apple’s longstanding control over in-app commerce. According to Bloomberg and an official order document, this move stems from the ongoing antitrust litigation with Epic Games, a case closely watched by Apple enthusiasts and the broader developer community for its implications on App Store policy and revenue models.

With the court’s denial, developers such as Epic Games, Spotify, Patreon, and others can continue directing users to external web purchase options directly from their iOS apps. Notably, Apple is barred from imposing fees on purchases made outside its App Store and is prohibited from dictating

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Apple Design Awards 2025: Highlighting Innovation with Balatro and Watch Duty

By Robert DeLuca in Apple Design Awards on

Every year, the run-up to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) brings a moment where the spotlight turns not to hardware or software roadmaps, but to the creativity fueling the App Store. Apple has announced the winners of the 2025 Apple Design Awards, a tradition that honors excellence in app and game development, less than a week ahead of WWDC’s next major keynote.

Recognizing Creativity and Craftsmanship

The Apple Design Awards have become a central pillar in Apple’s relationship with its developer community. According to Apple’s official statement, 36 finalists were chosen from across the globe, with 12 winners ultimately selected for their exceptional design and technical achievement. Each of the six main categories featured one app and one game as winners, underscoring both functional and entertainment-focused innovation.

Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, stated: “Developers continue to push the boundaries of what's

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Apple Updates Developer Policies and Guidelines

By Robert DeLuca in Apple on

Apple Updates Developer Policies and Guidelines

In a notable shift towards more developer-friendly practices, Apple has recently announced comprehensive updates to its App Store Review Guidelines, Apple Developer Program License Agreement, and Apple Developer Agreement. These updates reflect not only the company's attempt to align with evolving market needs and legal requirements but also Apple's attempt to streamline policies in light of new technological advancements. This article delves into the specific changes and the broader implications these hold for developers and the industry.

Key Updates to the App Store Review Guidelines

A central feature of the updated guidelines is a new requirement for apps containing advertisements. These apps must now provide users the ability to report inappropriate or age-inappropriate content encountered in ads. This change is set to enhance content moderation on the platform, ensuring safer user experiences while reinforcing Apple's commitment to stringent content standards.

Moreover, the revised Section

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Apple vs. Tencent & ByteDance: The Battle Over In-App Payments

By Robert DeLuca in App Store on
Apple is reportedly turning up the heat on two of China's tech giants, Tencent Holdings Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd., demanding they shut down loopholes that allow in-app creators to bypass Apple's payment system. This move is a part of Apple's ongoing effort to enforce its policy that all digital goods sold through iOS apps must go through Apple's payment system, which takes a 30% commission. The Conflict According to a Bloomberg report on August 2, Apple has threatened to reject updates for WeCh…

Apple Updates App Review Guidelines: PC Emulators Now Permitted to Offer Game Downloads

By Robert DeLuca in App Store on
Apple has revised its App Review Guidelines, introducing updates to support new policies and upcoming features. These changes clarify existing rules and introduce new guidelines for app developers. TL;DR Apple's latest App Review Guidelines update allows PC emulator apps to offer game downloads and expands notarization requirements to ensure app security and integrity. Key Updates Here's a look at the two updates: 1. PC Emulator Apps and Game Downloads: Apple has clarified that PC em…