Apple extends RMG native game deadline to March
Tech giant grants six-month extension for firms to replace HTML5 games with native equivalents
Apple has granted a six-month extension for companies trying to comply with its App Store requirements around native continent in real-money gambling apps.
The company initially changed its clause 4.7 back in June, clarifying that real-money apps should contain native rather than HTML5 games.
The initial deadly for compliance was 3 September, with several firms expressing concerns about overhauling their apps in time.
However, Apple said last week the deadline had been extended by six months to 3 March 2020.
The tech giant did not give a specific reason for the push back, writing in a blog post: “All new apps must follow this guideline and we urge you to update your existing apps as soon as possible.
“If your existing app requires more time to implement the guidelines, we’ve provided an additional six months, until March 3, 2020, to bring it into compliance.”
The firm also provided more details on the need for the change, saying it was to provide users with the “secure and curated experience that they expect on the App Store”.
“Apps that provide core features and functionality dynamically with web technology like HTML5 are best delivered to everyone in Safari, rather than through the curated App Store,” the firm said.
Kindred’s head of channels Robert Smith said the extension was “very good news” for operators.
“It’s hard to know how many other industries applied pressure but there was a considerable amount from the gambling industry, with many companies working together and alongside organisations such as the EGBA, and Apple appears to have listened.
“The interesting issue moving forward will be how firmly Apple enforces the new deadline. Up to now they have only talked about rejecting submissions for non-compliant Apps; whether or not they stick to that more reactive approach or feel given the additional time, they can be more proactive and remove non-compliant apps, we will see.”
Smith added: “The other item worth noting is that the industry was originally assuming the bundling issues affected mainly casino games, Apple has since confirmed it applies to all RMG verticals. Sportsbook is therefore included which will bring with it another set of major challenges.”