Delta’s Game Emulator Transitions to Patreon Support Following US App Store Policy Changes

Delta, a popular game emulator, is leveraging a recent court decision regarding Apple’s App Store to enhance its business model. This update, which was approved for release on the U.S. App Store, now allows Delta users to link directly to its Patreon membership page from the mobile app, enabling subscriptions without Apple taking a commission.

Significant Court Ruling Impacts App Store Policies

Last week, a pivotal court ruling mandated that Apple must open its U.S. App Store to external purchases. This decision came after a prolonged legal battle with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. While Apple largely emerged victorious in the antitrust lawsuit, the judge identified that it had not fully complied with orders regarding in-app purchases.

Changes to In-App Purchase Regulations

• Previously, Apple controlled which apps could link to external websites, often discouraging users from making purchases outside its ecosystem.
• Apple charged a commission of 27% on these web sales, decreased from its standard 30%.
• After the court’s instruction, major companies like Spotify and Amazon Kindle updated their apps to allow direct consumer payments.

This ruling represents a substantial victory for larger corporations, enabling them to retain a greater share of their profits. Delta’s recent update illustrates how this legal change fosters new monetization strategies for mobile applications.

Delta’s Innovative Update for Users

In the latest version of Delta’s game emulator app, users can now easily join the Delta team’s Patreon via the app’s Settings screen. By clicking on the “Join our Patreon” button, users can subscribe to a tier at just $3 per month, unlocking exclusive features and benefits.

User-Friendly Access to Membership Options

The updated interface allows users to link their Patreon accounts and select their preferred membership tier, whether monthly or annual. Previously, linking to a Patreon account was possible, but subscribing directly was not.

As Delta creator Riley Testut remarked on social media, “We can now freely mention our Patreon without giving Apple 27% of donations. Goodbye scare screens,” referencing the earlier warnings that discouraged users from using external payment options.

Maintaining Compliance with Apple’s Guidelines

While Delta continues to provide an option for in-app purchases through Apple, it is now more discreetly located under an “Alternative Payment Methods” menu. This placement may lead many users to overlook this option entirely.

Apple’s Longstanding Strategies

This tactic of concealing consumer-friendly options is a strategy that Apple has employed over the years. For example, to disable personalized ads, users must navigate through multiple layers of settings. This practice raises questions about user experience and transparency.

With Delta’s app receiving approval from Apple’s App Review, it is likely that we will see more apps integrating similar Patreon support in the near future.

For further insights on app monetization strategies, visit our related articles on app development and TechCrunch.