It’s not every day that a Hungarian app is featured by one of the world’s most influential technology news sites. Recently, the prestigious US tech outlet The Verge mentioned Instacar in one of its articles.
The article was about Apple placing a new warning on iOS apps in the EU that use an external payment system instead of Apple’s own App Store payments. The EU law called the Digital Markets Act forced Apple to allow these alternative payments from March 2024—however, Apple now adds a notice to the app’s listing, essentially warning users.
In this context, Instacar was mentioned as an example case: a popular, reliable app in Hungary that makes use of this new opportunity.
The warning about external payments shown on Instacar’s iOS App Store page
With this banner, Apple indicates that the app does not use the App Store’s own “private and secure” payment system.
According to The Verge, this prominent message—with a red icon—is also visible in Instacar’s case, even though our app did not violate any App Store rules by introducing an external payment gateway.
It’s important to stress that this is Apple’s new, cautionary practice, not a fault of the app. In fact, we’re simply using the option provided by the new EU regulation, and doing so in the best interest of our users.
A technical achievement and international recognition for a Hungarian startup
We consider it a major professional achievement that Instacar is among the few apps that were among the first to implement external payments on iOS.
The Verge also noted that in the EU only a few dozen apps have taken this step so far (specifically, fewer than 100 apps have implemented such a development).
Instacar is also the only Hungarian app in this leading group.
We’re proud that, as a Hungarian startup launched three years ago, we’ve now reached the Top 5 in the Hungarian App Store’s Business category, with thousands of positive reviews—and our technological innovations are drawing attention internationally as well.
Being mentioned by The Verge is a huge validation for our team that we’re on the right track. It shows that a Hungarian development can also bring something new on a global scale in the tech world. We’re looking ahead with confidence, because recognitions like this tell us: it’s worth dreaming big.
What’s in it for users?
You might be wondering: how does this affect you as a user?
Introducing an external payment gateway is not only a professional success for us—it’s also beneficial for you.
Because Instacar can use its own payment solution, we don’t have to build Apple’s usual 30% commission into our prices. That can translate into better pricing than if payments went through Apple’s system.
We can also have a more direct relationship with you as a customer, since the payment process happens with us—but of course it’s just as secure as paying in the App Store.
The Verge article also pointed out that online payment systems today are reliable and secure; it’s not only Apple’s own solution that can be trusted.
For users, it means the same service with a more flexible payment option — and potentially better pricing.
Closing thoughts and a call to action
In short, being mentioned by The Verge is a fantastic milestone for Instacar.
It showed that an emerging Hungarian startup can adapt quickly to new rules and deliver innovative solutions for its community.
Thank you to everyone who uses Instacar and has supported the project — we truly appreciate it.
We’re excited about the future and have lots of new plans!
If you’re not yet part of the Instacar story, download our app for iOS or Android and see what it’s like to check a car with an innovation recognized even by Apple.
Follow us on social media so you don’t miss any updates. Thank you for being with us and for proudly sharing this success!
(You can read the The Verge article where Instacar is mentioned here: “Apple is placing warnings on EU apps that don’t use App Store payments”, 15 May 2025.)
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