#Japan #Tokyo #Repro #Smartphone Law #app payments

Repro's Comprehensive Survey on Smartphone Legislation Impact

In an evolving digital landscape, Repro Inc., a leading provider of marketing solutions, recently conducted a pivotal survey titled "Survey on the Smartphone New Law and External Payment Method for Apps." This study explored the perceptions and anticipated effects of the forthcoming Smartphone New Law, officially set to be implemented on December 18, 2025.

Background of the Survey

The impending legislation aims to promote fair competition by prohibiting major corporations from exploiting their dominance in the market. Essential revisions include allowing direct guidance towards external payment methods and the introduction of third-party app stores. Considering the growing reliance on smartphones, with a current domestic ownership rate of 90.5% in Japan, the law’s implications are expected to resonate profoundly with both consumers and businesses.

The survey was conducted from October 31 to November 4, 2025, and involved 220 professionals working for app developers, aiming to gauge their awareness of the new law and its potential consequences on their strategies and revenue models.

Key Findings of the Survey

The survey results underscore a notable familiarity among app operators regarding the implications of the Smartphone New Law:

• - High Awareness: Over 80% of survey participants expressed confidence in their understanding of the new legislation. In particular, 39.1% claimed they fully understand its implications, while 44.5% felt they grasp the overall principles well. Furthermore, a mere 2.3% indicated they were either unaware or poorly informed about the upcoming law.

• - Focus on External Payments: The introduction of external payment options and the ability to utilize third-party app stores emerged as primary concerns. 33.9% of respondents specifically highlighted the unblocking of third-party app stores as the most significant anticipated change.

• - Significant Revenue Sourcing: The survey revealed that 33% of participants utilizing combined in-app and external payment methods reported that external payments accounted for 30-50% of their revenue, indicating a heavy reliance on these alternative channels.

• - Cost-Efficient Motivations: A predominant 40% cited the avoidance of fees set by Apple and Google as the main reason for adopting external payment systems.

• - Future Adoption Plans: Of the participants not yet utilizing external payment methods, a staggering 94.3% expressed intentions to adopt these systems in the future, demonstrating a substantial shift towards this model post-legislation.

Implications for the Future

The findings of this survey present a clear picture: The Smartphone New Law is poised to significantly alter the revenue landscape for app developers. With external payment methods likely to contribute substantially to revenue—around 50%—it's imperative that businesses strategize effectively to adapt to these changes.

In light of the forthcoming law, Repro is hosting a seminar on December 18, 2025, titled "Understanding the Impacts and Strategies on App Payments Post-Smartphone Law." This initiative aims to provide valuable insights and foster discussions among stakeholders in the app ecosystem.

Conclusion

Overall, the survey reinforces the importance of external payment systems within the app industry. With legislation supporting this shift, developers must remain vigilant and adaptable to leverage these changes for enhanced profitability. Given that Japan currently does not impose fees for external payment methods, there exists a unique opportunity for revenue growth. However, potential shifts in fee structures globally could pose challenges, necessitating thorough strategic planning.

For more insights and detailed analysis, download the comprehensive survey report from Repro's website.