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Spotify, Epic Games, and Others Argue Apple's App Store Changes Do Not Comply With DMA
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With the EU being placing an emphasis on privacy it is crazy they would want to open the gates and removed the protection it affords. If side loading were permitted then fully expected fully compromised devices being in the wild. Too many people or tricked everyday from the simplest tactics. A side loaded machine will be a criminal's dream.
The real problem with the DMA is only companies are benefitting at the risk of all of their customers.
The real problem with the DMA is only companies are benefitting at the risk of all of their customers.
Anyone that believes Spotify and Epic are in it to “save consumers money” is truly delusional. How many times have we consumers watched as 2 company’s merge with the promise of lower prices and more efficient competition, only for the new company to layoff workers and raise prices. Spotify can’t lower per stream cost any lower or artist & labels would pull their music in an instant & and they certainly can't raise prices or users would bail. The only “growth” they have left is to cut Apple’s take to the bare min or 0.
Ha Ha! Seriously, I want Apple to exit all the countries that make laws against them. I hear the US is also coming up with an Antitrust bill. So, is Japan, South Korea, India, and many other countries. Good riddance to those countries.
How exactly will Apple fight back? All the developers should band together and fight crooked Apple.
Yeah no, it’s not remotely the same.
By 1999 Windows was the OS on over 90% of computers.
iOS currently has less than 30% worldwide smartphone market share. (32% in Europe) nowhere NEAR a monopoly.
Microsoft used its OS monopoly to impose restrictions on its partners even if they were selling computers that didn’t use Microsoft products at all.
Apple doesn’t have a smartphone monopoly and doesn’t impose restrictions on app developers who want to release on Android or other platforms.
I think the concept of paying Apple for their work on the iPhone and iOS dev tools is extremely reasonable on the surface. That's the $99 fee. The problem is that they've written draconian guidelines and procedure to arbitrarily ensure maximum squeeze on most digital purchases, then doubled down upon being told by two separate sovereign entities to loosen their grip.
The Core Technology Fee and External Purchase Commission objectively disincentivizes the vast majority of developers from doing any of the things the EU and US courts say devs should be allowed to do.
I know that it's not as simple as raising the base developer fee for everyone to match Apple's investment, I've thought about how the $99 might be an undercut with Apple trying to tax the rest off what they see as big revenue from the biggest companies, and yet anyone would be perfectly justified in saying that Apple's behavior still leaves a bad taste in their mouth. It's all very complicated, but honestly? If they were to be found in violation of antitrust law one of these days, they would probably deserve it.
As an iOS developer, I completely understand and appreciate your perspective. Apple's frameworks and APIs are foundational to the development of iOS apps, and it's undeniable that many developers rely heavily on these tools to create their apps efficiently and effectively. Importing Foundation, UIKit, SwiftUI, and other frameworks streamlines development and ensures a consistent user experience across devices.
It's important to recognize the immense value that Apple's developers have contributed to the iOS ecosystem. Without their groundbreaking work, the app development landscape would look vastly different. The convenience and functionality provided by Apple's frameworks enable developers like us to focus on creating innovative features and enhancing user experiences.
Furthermore, it's crucial to acknowledge the symbiotic relationship between Apple's platform and third-party apps. While Apple provides the foundation, it's the diversity and innovation of third-party developers that truly enriches the iOS ecosystem. Without the countless apps created by developers like you, iOS wouldn't be as valuable to consumers and businesses alike. (Apple often enough copied the functionality of 3rd party app)
Additionally, it's worth noting that the European Union's scrutiny of Apple's business practices aligns with the principles of fair competition and consumer protection. As developers, we benefit from a regulatory framework that promotes a level playing field and ensures that all parties are treated fairly in the digital marketplace.
I had this discussion. It looks like 7% is the EU business for Apple. Sadly, if Apple wanted to, they could drop the EU, take a 7% dip, and keep going just fine. They are trying to allow the BIG guys their "BIG" ideas, and still protect the regular consumer who everyone knows would rather purchase from the AppleStore, instead of Integra-store, or Gamma-store.
Because under these terrible rules apple set that's the only thing that can make money. There'll never be a free alt app store
Yeah sure, cut yourself outside of a market that will show them…. Wait, Apple would be losing money here not EU…so what do you think They would gain by getting outside of EU?
Hope you are not in charge of a company otherwise your emotional decisions could be a huge burden to the company!
If I can't code an app and sideload it into my own phone for free, apple is not following the rules
No they won't. Apple can just implement it like Android. No one has a problem with that
Why would they? And even if they had done that, as EU Commission I would ignore anything they say until it's actually live
For starters it's not sideloading (which they must allow) if someone has to open an alt app store and then apple checks that app and the app store. Sideloading means I drag a file onto my phone and install it
The DMA stated that Apple must allow either sideloading or app stores. Emphasis on the “or”. I guess we know which option Apple has chosen.
I don’t get it, it’s Apple’s hardware.. they don’t owe any of these companies anything.
If we’re going to go this route why aren’t we going after games consoles?
Why can’t I play Nintendo games off the PS5 store?
Why can’t I play Xbox games on my Smart Fridge?
If we’re going to go this route why aren’t we going after games consoles?
Why can’t I play Nintendo games off the PS5 store?
Why can’t I play Xbox games on my Smart Fridge?
Regulatory scrutiny does not start until March 8th. Nice try though.
Well said.
I've been living off the app store for a decade now.
I paid 30% and I was happy but now I'm on 15% and delighted.
All tax and payment systems taken care off. I just collect at the end of the month.
Xcode is a delight to work with as is iOS. 15% is a bargain.
Competition in application stores lead to lower transaction costs - that benefits customers.
The analogy is misleading, since you’re not one of two fire protection systems integrators in all of Europe and fire protection systems integration does not nearly have the network effects or barriers to market entry that mobile operating systems have.
That’s why Apple can and should be able to make money from their trusted App Store.
It should just not be the only store around.
There’s no emphasis on the “or” in the act. And there’s certainly no mention of “either”.
Apple should compete by making better products all around and make money. Not by locking down its ecosystem. That's how it should make profits.