<p>Apple has updated its App Store rules to allow developers to contact users directly about payments, a concession in a legal settlement with companies challenging its tightly controlled marketplace.</p>.<p>According to App Store rules updated Friday, developers can now contact consumers directly about alternative payment methods, bypassing Apple's commission of 15 or 30 percent.</p>.<p>They will be able to ask users for basic information, such as names and e-mail addresses, "as long as this request remains optional", said the iPhone maker.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/business/business-news/apple-appeals-app-store-ruling-in-fight-with-epic-games-1038892.html" target="_blank">Apple appeals App Store ruling in fight with Epic Games</a></strong></p>.<p>Apple proposed the changes in August in a legal settlement with small app developers.</p>.<p>But the concession is unlikely to satisfy firms like "Fortnite" developer Epic Games, with which the tech giant has been grappling in a drawn-out dispute over its payments policy.</p>.<p>Epic launched a case aiming to break Apple's grip on the App Store, accusing the iPhone maker of operating a monopoly in its shop for digital goods or services.</p>.<p>In September, a judge ordered Apple to loosen control of its App Store payment options, but said Epic had failed to prove that antitrust violations had taken place.</p>.<p>For Epic and others, the ability to redirect users to an out-of-app payment method is not enough: it wants players to be able to pay directly without leaving the game.</p>.<p>Both sides have appealed.</p>.<p>Apple is also facing investigations from US and European authorities that accuse it of abusing its dominant position.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>
<p>Apple has updated its App Store rules to allow developers to contact users directly about payments, a concession in a legal settlement with companies challenging its tightly controlled marketplace.</p>.<p>According to App Store rules updated Friday, developers can now contact consumers directly about alternative payment methods, bypassing Apple's commission of 15 or 30 percent.</p>.<p>They will be able to ask users for basic information, such as names and e-mail addresses, "as long as this request remains optional", said the iPhone maker.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/business/business-news/apple-appeals-app-store-ruling-in-fight-with-epic-games-1038892.html" target="_blank">Apple appeals App Store ruling in fight with Epic Games</a></strong></p>.<p>Apple proposed the changes in August in a legal settlement with small app developers.</p>.<p>But the concession is unlikely to satisfy firms like "Fortnite" developer Epic Games, with which the tech giant has been grappling in a drawn-out dispute over its payments policy.</p>.<p>Epic launched a case aiming to break Apple's grip on the App Store, accusing the iPhone maker of operating a monopoly in its shop for digital goods or services.</p>.<p>In September, a judge ordered Apple to loosen control of its App Store payment options, but said Epic had failed to prove that antitrust violations had taken place.</p>.<p>For Epic and others, the ability to redirect users to an out-of-app payment method is not enough: it wants players to be able to pay directly without leaving the game.</p>.<p>Both sides have appealed.</p>.<p>Apple is also facing investigations from US and European authorities that accuse it of abusing its dominant position.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>