Apple Moves Tip-Based Content Monetization to Mainstream

Apple Moves Tip-Based Content Monetization to Mainstream

LOS ANGELES — Changes are afoot at Apple’s App Store, some of which indicate that even if it is aloof to the industry’s overtures, it may be inspired by its successes.

According to the company, apps are changing the world, enriching people’s lives, and enabling developers to innovate like never before. As a result, its App Store has grown into “an exciting and vibrant ecosystem for millions of developers and more than a billion users.”

Unfortunately for adult entertainment professionals, few of the industry’s developers are counted among this roster.

“The guiding principle of the App Store is simple — we want to provide a safe experience for users to get apps and a great opportunity for all developers to be successful,” states an Apple spokesperson, who notes the company has updated its App Review Guidelines with that principle in mind, and to “provide more context.”

Among the updates to its policies, Apple is embracing tipping as an in-app monetization mechanism. This perennially popular payment practice has proven profitable for adult’s live cam industry, and now Apple wants to get in on the gravy train by allowing tips via virtual currency — while reportedly taking a 30 percent share of the take. As part of this plan, Apple has clarified its stance that tips are “purchases” and not “donations” — a distinction once used by publishers seeking to skirt Apple’s transaction fees on in-app purchases.

Although the App Store is unlikely to open its well-traveled showroom to erotic entrepreneurs, it is paving the way for a retraining of consumers to more widely use alternative payment platforms, cryptocurrencies, micro-transactions, and premium content services, which benefits all digital media marketers.

For an insight into what is allowable in 2017, Apple’s updated guidelines provide a hint, if not a bright-line of do’s and don’ts.

“We have lots of kids downloading lots of apps. Parental controls work great to protect kids, but you have to do your part too. So know that we're keeping an eye out for the kids,” the spokesperson adds. “We will reject apps for any content or behavior that we believe is over the line. What line, you ask? Well, as a Supreme Court Justice once said, ‘I’ll know it when I see it.’ And we think that you will also know it when you cross it.”

For more information, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TEAs Show Hosts Defiant Celebration as Community Unites Amid Uncertainty

There was celebration in the air at the 2025 Trans Erotica Awards on Sunday night, but beneath the evening's festivities ran a strong undercurrent of defiance.

2025 TEAs Winners Announced

Winners of the 2025 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) were revealed Sunday night during an invitation-only event at Avalon nightclub in Hollywood.

NYU Study Finds Age Verification Laws Don't Work

A group of university researchers has published a study whose findings suggest that age verification laws are ineffective at achieving their stated goal of preventing minors from accessing adult content.

XVideos Loses Advertiser Reporting Appeal in EU Court

Web Group Czech Republic (WGCZ), parent company of XVideos, has lost an appeal in the top EU court to be temporarily exempted from a requirement to publish a list of the site's advertisers.

2025 Pornhub Awards to Be Held May 8 in Los Angeles

The seventh annual Pornhub Awards will take place May 8 in Los Angeles.

Illinois Lawmakers Propose Decriminalizing Consensual Sex Work

Lawmakers in Illinois have introduced a bill that would completely decriminalize consensual sex work in the state.

VR Bangers Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

VR Bangers has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Missouri House Gives Initial Approval to Age Verification Bill

The Missouri House of Representatives has given initial approval to HB 236, the state's proposed age verification law.

Proposed Australian eSafety Codes Include AV Requirement for Adult Sites

Australia’s online safety regulator, eSafety, is reviewing the final draft of proposed safety codes that include a requirement for adult sites to implement age assurance measures for Australian users.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Self-Harm' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who engage in self-harming behaviors.

Show More