Apple's New Deal for App Makers: What's the Catch?

Apple has rolled out a new program that slashes its App Store fees in half for certain app developers. The catch? They must use Apple's tech to build their apps. This includes tools for tracking purchases, verifying ages, and processing in-app buys. These "mini apps" are small software bits inside bigger apps, like those found in Discord. They're built using web tech like HTML or JavaScript. Big players like China's WeChat offer millions of these mini apps for tasks like tracking packages or shopping online. Even AI companies like OpenAI are jumping on the bandwagon, integrating mini apps into their chatbots. This move isn't just about being nice. Apple's been under fire from regulators in Europe and the U. S. to loosen its grip on the App Store. In most places, it's the only way to get software on an iPhone. Apple's been offering similar deals before, like for video and news apps, to keep developers hooked on its ecosystem. Apple argues that its tech and rules benefit both developers and users. But critics might see this as a way to maintain control while appearing generous. The new program requires developers to provide Apple with details about each mini app they offer. Apple's been warming up to mini apps lately. Last year, it allowed them to charge for in-app purchases using Apple's software. All iPhone apps still go through Apple's review process before hitting the App Store.