The Japanese government has approved Apple's application to enable its programmers to connect external websites

Apple has achieved an agreement with the Japanese authority to permit "reader" app providers to link customers to their websites to control their accounts. The new policy will take effect in the first quarter of 2022. Apple has been the subject of examination in many markets, notably the United States and South Korea, for allegedly adopting anti-competitive methods to favour its payment systems.

The Fair Trade Commission of Japan (JFTC) has now reached a settlement with Apple that requires the company to alter its policy on purchasing content to include consumers.

Cloud media for subscribers and paid content can be consumed by readers using reader apps, which comprise reading applications and any other application that can access that content.

It offers a wide range of media, including books, periodicals, music, audio, video, and digital versions of newspapers and Netflix, Spotify, Audible, and Dropbox.

Before implementing the upcoming changes next year, Apple said it would improve its standards and procedures for reading app users.

This update is likewise applied to all reader applications in the shop worldwide.

"We appreciate the Fair Trade Authority of Japan and value our work jointly with reader app developers, which will make it easier for consumers to regulate apps and services while preserving their security and trust,"

says Phil Schiller, who manages Apple's App Stores.

Apple appears to be responding to the public scrutiny it has faced by working with politicians and developers. Last week, the company also created a new partner programme to support local journalists with many upgrades to make developers far more flexible for their customers.

Apple has long contended that its regulations are aimed at protecting consumers and providing a better user experience.

Regardless, criticism has only grown in volume, as technologies, payment services, and consumer behaviours have changed. In some regions, it appears that policymakers are just beginning to react to the problem.

The Competitions and Consumer Authority of Australia are looking into restrictions for digital payments, which would affect not only Apple but also other major firms such as Google and WeChat.