Apple as billing middleman

Many companies will have a web interface for sign up and payment of services that would not require it to be done in the app. You are still able to sign in using the app provided by the company. For example many cable/streaming companies offer plans that can be paid through the web, yet you are still able to watch the shows when signing into their companion app. In those cases fees associated with payment processing are handled on their end and customer service issues with cancelling will also be handled by them using the same web interface. When using a subscription purchased on the iPhone, Apple does tack on their fees for payment processing, but the developer of the App is the one that dictates what charges you would incur using the in-app purchase. Also canceling the subscription can be done on the device easily, without having to go to the web interface.

In the end, the decision is made by the developer of the App and on what they want to charge for their service.

So what's your problem with Apple billing? Don't like the idea of Apple taking a cut? Most services can be paid for or subscribed to outside Apple's domain and you don't have to download anything. For example, I subscribe to Netflix and pay them directly. Then I just login to the Netflix app on my Apple TV box with my Netflix credentials and all is well. In fact Netflix doesn't even allow subscribing through Apple these days. Do this for every service you want, no need to go through Apple at all unless the service itself doesn't allow direct payment.

You cannot download an App from the company's site, only from the App Store. The company is entitled to allow you to sign up for service on their own website and pay for it there, while also offering a free App to use the service. This is up to them, and in some cases companies don't want to pay the expense themselves for payment processing and maintaining web support, which is an expense that would still be transferred to you. Those companies prefer to have Apple take a percentage from a subscription price that the company sets to handle those expenses. Ask the company if you can pay for their service on the web, instead of through their app. It is their decision.

If you take out services / subscriptions via the App Store, you have to pay via Apple, otherwise you have to take out the services/ subscriptions directly with the 3rd party.

Very often you can do that, yes. For example, my subscription to Netflix is through Netflix. Years ago, I went to their website and signed up. When it became possible to put Netflix on my iPhone, I downloaded the Netflix app through the App Store and then logged in using the credentials I had created years before on the website. I have that set up with a number of services.

It's possible that not all services will be offered that way and, they may work slightly differently.

Yes, you are going to have to cancel all your subscriptions where Apple is the middleman and then resubscribe directly to the parties you wish. I gave you an example in Netflix. Again, downloading an app to watch those services has nothing to do with Apple billing you. Some service providers have web browser options. Like Netflix you can simply go to their website, login, and watch on your device screen, no need for any app at all. I get the impression you re not thinking logically about this.

And guess what, the same applies to the other platforms other than Apple.

Evah5 wrote:

To me, there should be a choice—either you’re billed by the company providing the service, or you get a bill from Apple.

Why? If you purchase a new TV, do you go to the Sony factory and pay them directly? If you purchase a movie, do you go directly to Paramount studios and pay them? If you purchase cereal, do you go directly to the Kellogg factory? If you subscribe to a music service, do you go directly to the artists and pay them?

Apple is not here.

See -> Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple