Apple Forces WordPress to Monetize its Free iOS App to Continue Updates - Android

Apple has cut off updates to the iOS WordPress (WP) app because it wants a 30% cut of the money,… Read More

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Apple has cut off updates to the iOS WordPress (WP) app because it wants a 30% cut of the money, WP founder Matt Mullenweg revealed on Friday.

The WordPress app lets you build and manage websites from your smartphone for free. Its main website also sells domain names and website packages. The app does not sell anything and does not include in-app purchases but it is now being forced to by Apple because it wants a 30% share of the money.

Apple later confirmed that it is involved with the whole situation, saying that in-app purchases are required to “allow users to access content, subscriptions, or features they have acquired in your app on other platforms or your web site”. This was their response to an app that does not sell anything.

Heads up on why @WordPressiOS updates have been absent… we were locked by App Store. To be able to ship updates and bug fixes again we had to commit to support in-app purchases for .com plans. I know why this is problematic, open to suggestions. Allow others IAP? New name?

— Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt) August 21, 2020