In 2020, Apple forbidden the popular video game Fortnite from the App Store. The game’s publisher, Epic Games, attempted to avoid paying its 30 percent commission to Apple for in-app purchases of the game’s V-Bucks currency. In response to Fortnite’s workaround that tricked users into purchasing from the App Store, Apple kicked the game from the App Store.
Let’s rewind to 2024 and it looks like TikTok has now used a similar tactic in its iOS app. The question now is: Does TikTok violate Apple’s rules?
As first reported by TechCrunchDeveloper David Tesler posted screenshots on Tuesday on These screenshots show that TikTok explicitly asks its users to make a purchase through its website, which it then redirects users to within the app so that they can purchase coins.
The tweet may have been deleted
“Try topping up on tiktok.com,” reads the TikTok app pop-up prompt shown in the screenshot. “You can save the service fee and get access to popular payment methods.”
TikTok users buy these coins to send tips to their favorite creators.
Destructible speed of light
Apple has already lifted the ban on Epic Games and will allow Fortnite on iPhone in the EU
When a user selects a coin purchase option, TikTok informs users that they can save around 25 percent by making this purchase through the site due to a “lower third-party service fee.” Of course, not having to share 30 percent of its revenue with Apple means TikTok can pass on the savings it makes to consumers.
Now, as mentioned, Fortnite was banned from the App Store years ago due to similar tactics by Epic Games. However, in the nearly four years since Fortnite was kicked, there have been numerous lawsuits and policy changes regarding Apple’s App Store rules. Apple has since relaxed its rules on apps that redirect users to alternative payment methods.
As TechCrunch mention, that, certain “reader” apps, with permission from Apple, can provide digital products without having to go through Apple’s in-app purchase system. However, if an app does this, it cannot also enable in-store purchases through Apple. TikTok is currently still doing the latter.
In addition, as 9to5Mac Apple reportedly has another fairly new policy that allows such external linking with alternative payment systems. However, this program still gives Apple a commission, however for an app like TikTok the commission drops from 30 percent to 27 percent – a savings in commissions for TikTok if that’s actually the case, but not a very impressive one.
Apple and TikTok have not commented on this, but Mashable will update this article when we hear back.
As Tesler explained, TikTok’s prompt to bypass in-app purchases is not currently appearing for all users. Is this a test of TikTok? Has it received permission from Apple? Or are we dealing with another Fortnite situation? At the moment it is unclear what exactly is going on here.
But one thing is certainly happening: TikTok is avoiding Apple’s 30 percent commission fees, at least in some cases.