According to reports across technology sites today, Apple has introduced updates to its rules, including no longer having a requirement for a subscription be the "same price or less than it is offered outside the app".
Apple launched its new subscription service for newspaper, magazine, music and video purchases through its App Store in February.
At the time the company confirmed that publishers will be allowed to sell app subscriptions through their own websites, bypassing Apple's 30 per cent stake, but will also have to offer subscriptions through Apple from within the app for the same price or less.
The decision caused concerns in the industry, with the International Newsmedia Marketing Association saying news publishers would not be able to invest in new technology, products and services if they lose the 30 per cent stake.
But as initially reported by MacRumors today, it now appears content providers can offer in-app subscriptions at any price they wish and with no requirement to offer an in-app subscription if they sell a subscription outside the App Store.
The "updated" App Store Review Guidelines section 11.14 now reads: "Apps can read or play approved content (specifically magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video) that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app, as long as there is no button or external link in the app to purchase the approved content. Apple will not receive any portion of the revenues for approved content that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app".
According to MacRumors a corresponding section 11.13 previously stated that apps could read or play content purchased outside the app "provided that the same content is also offered in the app using IAP at the same price or less".
This news follows the launch of the Financial Times' new web-based iPad and iPhone app, in an attempt to circumvent Apple's 30 per cent charge.
The new app allows the FT to establish a direct relationship with its users, who will be able to update the HTML 5-based app through the FT website.
Apple has not responded to a request for comment.
Image by goodrob13 on Flickr. Some rights reserved.
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