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To non-developers jumping to conclusions: There are features that you need to apply for as a developer. And you will only get access to those features if you apply, and give Apple a good reason why you should have that access. My own app uses a feature that could be used by a nefarious app to spy on the user without their knowledge. And my app uses the same feature for very, very good reasons. So we had to apply, explain why we need to use the feature, and got permission to use it. Your app won't unless you have a reason that Apple accepts.

So this is just normal. Nothing to see, once you know what to look for and understand the matter.

As an extreme case, the Covid tracking API is only made available to national health organisations. I'm sure Epic would want access to that as well.
 
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I understand the access Hulu has to their API can be considered unfair, but does it actually give them any leg up over the competition? The only thing they are able to do is offer refunds and subscription cancellations straight from the app. Very likely this is a test to see how useful it would be, and potentially roll out to other developers if it proves as such. However the only thing they’re providing is an easier way to get your money back from apps, and that, to me, does not create an advantage.
Their competitors can apply to Apple to get the same API access. Together with a good reason why it is needed, and if there is any security risk, a good reason why they should be trusted.
 
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” George Orwell.

People might want to re-read Animal Farm as it is very appropriate to Apple and the times we find ourselves in now.
Animal Farm was exactly what I was thinking about when reading this thread.
 
Tim Cook must be fuming this case is revealing so many Apple secrets and confidential info.
His face right now


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This is just the beginning. It doesn't really matter if Apple or Epic wins , what matters is the user experience. As of now the user experience is that all apps will require monthly subscription plan. Why ? because why pay once, when you can pay every month even for apps that you forgot that you have on your phone (like that stupid image editor with one nice filer and 50 paid options that) . Now, that is just brilliant !!!
you could just manage your subscriptions?
 
Fortnite chose to not go the "pay-to-win" route. Generally, it's preferable to not have IAPs that give an unfair advantage to players. Even still, the IAPs are carefully crafted and designed to be desirable and obviously, it's working out for them.

One thing is certain though... it's all a rip-off and a pretty scummy way to make money by generally exploiting children and human psychology. Let's not get started on random loot boxes either, aka gambling.
Can I make my own fortnite skins and knicknacks and sell them to the community via EPIC ? No? Can I make my own storefront for Fortnite? No. Well, that's the main thrust of Epic's argument against Apple.

This particular story, whilst not looking the best for Apple, should really be no surprise to anybody. It is the world of big business where special arrangements and deals are, unfortunately, the norm.
 
What do you specifically like about the hardware?
The fun part is the reason why he likes their hardware is because of their mindset and "we know best" attitude. Otherwise the hardware would be very different if it were designed to try to please everybody.
 
The fun part is the reason why he likes their hardware is because of their mindset and "we know best" attitude. Otherwise the hardware would be very different if it were designed to try to please everybody.
You spoiled my fun. I wanted to drag it out for a bit. 🤣

There are plenty of devices manufacturers that produce hardware of the equivalent or better quality than apple.

The only reason to choose apple over android is for the software, security, privacy or ecosystem.
 
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Hulu got something that Fortnite didn't...

It just plain begs the question of WHY it isn't uniform like this for everyone. Epic might have a better case than we all thought.
 
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Just not this is a specific change needed.

I’m sure Apple is not alone here, however yes Apple needs to level out this.
why would they need to? It is entirely normal that not everyone gets access to the same API's for a variety of reasons. My customers won't. Highlight the need for that API and then check again whether it really needs levelling out...Besides if EPIC doesn't wan't Apple Appstore billing why would they need refunds?
 
why would they need to? It is entirely normal that not everyone gets access to the same API's for a variety of reasons. My customers won't. Highlight the need for that API and then check again whether it really needs levelling out...Besides if EPIC doesn't wan't Apple Appstore billing why would they need refunds?
Woah woah woah. I'm in no way defending Epic. Not ever.

BUT Apple creates API's to be followed in the SDK so that developers adhere to it and NOT create custom API's to circumvent the OS or features or restrictions. Apple is supposed to be hosting API's for all users. This article and the email doesn't seem that this was a 'trial' use. If I'm correct in that it wasn't a trial, then I think Apple should make this available for all developers - it could be beneficial not only to developers but to all users as well.
 
Woah woah woah. I'm in no way defending Epic. Not ever.

BUT Apple creates API's to be followed in the SDK so that developers adhere to it and NOT create custom API's to circumvent the OS or features or restrictions. Apple is supposed to be hosting API's for all users. This article and the email doesn't seem that this was a 'trial' use. If I'm correct in that it wasn't a trial, then I think Apple should make this available for all developers - it could be beneficial not only to developers but to all users as well.
Why? I mean if it’s part of the SDK then yes sure. But it isn’t. And Apple and many companies have many apis. Nothing is static. And as I said. Epic doesn’t even want to use the payment system, let alone them doing refunds directly. Heck Netflix didn’t like the churn the refunds cause and they prefer to do the billing themselves to make it harder for their customers. This is just crying about nothing, about something they don’t even want or need.

First principle of secure development. Only provide access on a need basis. Don’t give everyone blanket access to everything.
 
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