All articles tagged with #in app purchases
Nintendo has announced Pictonico, a photo-based mobile mini-game experience that lets players insert their own faces into up to 80 challenges. The game launches May 28, 2026, with a free-to-start model and paid volumes (Volume 1 $5.99, Volume 2 $7.99) to unlock additional content, marking the latest Nintendo mobile title not tied to a franchise since Dragalia Lost.
Security researchers from ESET uncovered 28 Android apps on Google Play that claimed to unlock access to call histories but merely charged users for fake data; together they amassed over 7.3 million downloads before removal, with payments made via Google Play Billing, UPI-based apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), or direct card checkout. Some apps even spoofed an Indian government developer name. Refunds may be available for Google Play purchases, but third‑party payments aren’t refundable. The report also notes a separate Indonesian fraud campaign (GoldFactory) using phishing, malware, and social engineering to steal about $2 million.
Europe’s PEGI is introducing four new criteria in June to curb addictive design, unmonitored online communication, and paid content like loot boxes and, in some cases, NFT-linked purchases. The changes could lift games such as EA Sports FC (currently PEGI 3 with an in-app purchases warning) to PEGI 16, with a PEGI 7 option only if spending is off by default. NFTs could push some titles to PEGI 18, while unrestricted online chat could also trigger an 18 rating. First ratings under the new regime are expected later this summer.
Apple has set a November 1, 2026 deadline for Patreon creators to switch to the iOS App Store's in-app purchase system, applying a 30% commission on subscriptions and digital goods (15% after a year); creators can either raise prices in the iOS app or absorb the fee, while supporters can still pay on Patreon’s website to bypass the commission; Patreon notes most creators have already switched and expresses disappointment with Apple's policy navigation.
Pokémon TCG Pocket has generated nearly $1.3 billion in its first year, making it the highest-grossing debut for a Pokémon mobile app, driven by over 10 million downloads and continuous updates that keep players engaged.
A Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket player, Weens4Life, spent $1,500 and opened 1,741 booster packs to complete the Genetic Apex set, highlighting the challenges of collecting all cards, especially the rare alternate art ones. Completing the set took significant time and money, with the game offering limited free packs daily. Despite the cost, Weens4Life found the experience worthwhile but plans to focus only on base sets in the future. Pokémon TCG Pocket has been highly successful, earning $120 million in three weeks with 30 million downloads.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, a popular mobile game with over 30 million downloads, will introduce a card trading feature starting January 2025. The update will initially allow trading of certain cards, with plans to expand the selection over time. Additionally, new booster packs are expected by the end of the year, and more features are in development. The game has been generating significant revenue, earning over $5 million daily on November 8th and 9th.
Epic Games has submitted a proposed permanent injunction against Google, seeking to open up the Play Store and allow users to download apps from any source, as well as give developers and users the freedom to choose how they offer and pay for in-app purchases. The injunction also aims to prevent Google from retaliating against Epic or any app or developer for challenging app store practices. If approved, this could lead to significant changes in the Android app ecosystem, potentially allowing third-party app stores onto the Play Store without fees and access to its library of apps.
Epic Games accuses Apple of violating a court ruling by charging "unjustified fees" for in-app purchase links that direct customers to third-party purchase options on the web. Apple is still charging a commission for these purchases, requiring developers to pay between 12 and 27 percent, which Epic Games claims makes the links "commercially unusable." The company is asking the court to hold Apple in contempt and require it to bring its policies into compliance with the injunction.
Google Play announced new features for game listings, including AI-powered FAQs, displaying YouTube videos, immersive ad formats, and support for native PC game publishing. The updates aim to attract more users and drive in-app purchases, with new tools for developers to promote their games and target specific user groups. Additionally, Google is introducing new ad products and expanding its Play Pass and Play Points programs to offer more benefits to users and developers.
Spotify plans to display pricing information for its Premium subscriptions within its iOS app in the EU, following the European Commission's ruling against Apple's anti-steering rules. If approved by Apple, the update will allow users to view subscription prices and features, with links to purchase on Spotify's website. This move comes after the European Commission fined Apple for "abusing its dominant position" and ordered it to remove anti-steering provisions for music streaming apps. Apple has stated its intention to appeal the decision and accused Spotify of attempting to "rewrite the rules of the App Store."
Apple updated its App Store Review Guidelines to require social media apps to use its in-app purchase system for sales of "boosted" posts, resulting in a 30% fee for Meta's advertisers purchasing boosted posts through Facebook and Instagram apps for iOS. Meta will pass on the added cost to its customers and require prepayment for boosted posts. Apple responded, stating that it has always required in-app purchases for digital goods and services, and has given Meta ample opportunity to comply with the guidelines.
Elden Ring is reportedly getting a free-to-play mobile adaptation with in-app purchases, inspired by Genshin Impact and published by Tencent, who acquired licensing rights to the game in 2022. The development has been slow due to differences in business models and company culture between From Software and Tencent. Meanwhile, the release of Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree expansion is eagerly anticipated, with recent Steam updates hinting at a possible February release date.
Apple is updating its rules around streaming game services and mini-apps, allowing developers to submit a single app that can stream all games offered in their catalog. This change could impact companies like Netflix and OpenAI. In addition, mini-games, mini-apps, chatbots, and plug-ins will now be able to incorporate Apple’s in-app purchase system. Apple is also rolling out new reports to help developers analyze their app’s performance and removing the requirement for developers to add sign-in with Apple alongside other sign-in options.
Apple is reportedly considering introducing new fees and restrictions for apps downloaded outside its App Store in the EU, potentially taking commissions on in-app purchases and other sales even if the apps are discovered and installed from other websites. This comes in response to a new EU law allowing users to download apps without going through the App Store, impacting how iOS apps are accessed. The move could pose a challenge to the legislation meant to offer companies a way to do business without being subject to Apple’s commissions. This development follows Apple's compliance with a court ruling in the Epic antitrust case, where it had to allow app developers to point to their own payment options via the web.