Apple apologizes to WordPress, in-app purchases no longer required

After WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg tweeted about being pressurized by Apple to monetize its cost-free app, the news was trending on the internet. It comes at a time when Apple is already facing an antitrust lawsuit from Epic Games.

On this matter, Apple later released a statement addressing any confusion that it caused. The company said the WordPress app doesn’t have to offer in-app purchases, and apologized to the WordPress developer. It’s a rare apology coming from Cupertino.

We believe the issue with the WordPress app has been resolved. Since the developer removed the display of their service payment options from the app, it is now a free stand-alone app and does not have to offer in-app purchases. We have informed the developer and apologize for any confusion that we have caused.

WordPress is a free and open source platform for creating websites and blogs. The WordPress iOS app had a direct link buried in support page that allowed users to upgrade to premium WordPress.com plans through mobile web. Apple considered it as an attempt to bypass its in-app purchase system and had locked the app from receiving updates.

Now that WordPress has removed those direct links, things look all clear between Apple and WordPress. The WordPress for iOS app is back on the App Store.