It was often reported that the main sticking point that prevented Microsoft from releasing their Office suite on the iPad was the fact that Apple would get a 30% cut of any in-app sales of Office 365 subscriptions. Apparently Microsoft’s new CEO, Satya Nadella, is more comfortable with that idea.
Re/code reports that Microsoft is indeed paying Apple their pound of flesh on every in-app purchase of an Office 365 subscription made from the Office for iPad apps that were released yesterday.
The year-long subscriptions are available as an in-app $100 purchase. The subscription also allows downloading Office on up to five tablets and five computers, (Mac or PC).
Apple confirmed to Re/code that Microsoft is paying the 30% commission, Microsoft refused to comment.
Apple has always taken the position that if anything is sold from within an iOS app, developers are required to use Apple’s method and fork over the 30% cut. Apple just needs to wet their beak, you understand.
The Office 365 Home Premium membership is available for $10 per month, or $100 per year. An Office 365 Personal subscription, which is good for one computer and one tablet is coming later this year for $7/month or $70/year.
If you want to save almost 33 bucks, you can get a one-year Office 365 Home Premium via Amazon.com for $67.15.
