Guess what Europe did, Apple is forced to allow side-loading on its iPhone. So the side-load iPhone already exists, it just us from North American can't buy it.
Side-loading has existed on iOS for almost
15 years, supported by Apple.
The just prohibited it being used to distribute apps to consumers in their terms and conditions.
The 30% cut and the app store model predates Apple (I believe Nintendo did it first). If so many people have an issue with this, you would think there is more of a pushback against this by now, yet it’s been allowed to exist for 3 decades with nary a whisper or whimper.
Yet only Apple is getting pushback against this. Because it’s easier to go after them than a company like Nintendo, I suppose.
First, it was just games for kids.
Then it was games for everyone else.
Today, it’s important software for everyone. Apps. And ebooks. And music. And movies.
As the market size, economic importance and breadth of “software” subject to such business model expanded, so does the pushback against it. Because it is undesirable if a monopolist (or in this case a duopoly) charge 30% commission on everything (paid) you see, watch, use and play on computers.
Too bad the 9th Circuit said no to the emergency stay. Apple will have to get a different ruling or the costs to be a developer for Apple will go through the roof (making it impossible for small developers to compete). 😢
👉
Why would they “
go through the roof”? 🤔
Apple and their services business are
hugely profitable. And the App Store and IAP are bundled with the operating system and integrated with Apple accounts, thereby giving them a huge advantage over any other market or purchasing option. They’re also supported by very profitable hardware sales - which in turn are supported by a rich app ecosystem (including apps from small developers).
I’m sure Apple will still be hugely profitable without increasing developer costs. There’s no reason why Apple would need to increase costs for developers.