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How is this legal? Isn't it called entrapment or something?

Do A against the company's policies, have counter attack prepared if the company follows its own policies.

This is definitely an attack by government forces because Apple is one of the only American companies that has a large prescence in China. It's all too well planned for it to be random.

Apple has defied the US government enough times and they are finding ways to attack it, and this is very very dirty in my opinion.
 
I think it's fine for Apple to decide what can and can't go on the App Store. But equally they shouldn't restrict users from installing apps from outside the app store.

That is called a web app. Yes, it runs on iPhone great.

(Limitations)
 
This was obviously planned by Epic for months. It seems like they hid the secondary payment option in code and activated it remotely today so that it started to be seen. Shady, but they knew exactly what they were doing. I'm sure that video took a bit of time to plan out also.

It can be debated that iOS devices are more consoles than computers, so that is why they have the restrictions. Whatever outcome is defined from this battle should affect all console makers (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, etc). Anyone with an App Store.

I don't agree with Epic on this one, but I do think Apple should allow streaming game services (which was the other recent headline). As long as game catalogs have ratings I don't see that as a problem. However, once code gets executed on the device I would rather have Apple's security take care of it. I don't want un-vetted code running on my device doing who-knows-what. That's what people ask for with side-loading, etc—that's isn't something I want on my phone/tablet. I don't want to have to fix random problems from all the devices in my family because someone installed poorly written, or even malicious code.

The people that say all the big companies should jump on board don't remember that each of those companies needs to answer to their shareholders and profits. Taking a stand against Apple for months to make a bit more money will not go over well if they have hugely reduced profits during that time. In the end it isn't about money, just control. I do not look forward to the management nightmare of multiple payment options in every single app and the decreased security and oversight that would entail if Epic gets it's way.
 
You are missing the point here. Apple's App Store closed garden policy has been in place since the first iPhone launched well over a decade ago. Anyone that chooses to purchase an iPhone should be well aware that it is a closed garden system and that all apps need to be downloaded in the App Store. Apple does not even come close to having a majority or smartphone market share, so a consumer can CHOOSE to buy a phone from a different manufacturer if they don't like the way Apple does business.
Second iphone is when the AppStore launched.
 
I'm perfectly okay with Apple having their payment system and even charging 30%. What I have an issue with, and agree with Epic and Spotify on, is that Apple bans even mentioning other ways to pay from inside apps. This is an anticompetitive practice (because Apple isn't losing 30% on their own services they sell) and needs to go.
A very valid point. If you can mention it (maybe not even link to it, but just explain it's an option) that seems more fair.
 
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of course, there's a real irony that the financial juggernaught that is Fortnite feels that Apple should provide its app for free on the App Store (because it's a "free app"). And then somehow they're the injured party for not getting to funnel 100% of the actual (not inconsiderable) revenue through their own private pipes without Apple even getting a dime.

The point went right over your head. No one expects Apple to allow anyone in their App Store. People and developer want an alternative method to installing apps besides the App Store. I can host my own Mac application and distribute it myself. Spotify does this with their Mac app. The problem is the only way to install apps on iOS is via the App Store.
 
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Also, consumers have the right to install software on their own devices, from wherever they please. Can you imagine if Apple started forcing Mac users to only install apps from the Mac App Store? That would be disastrous. Yet that’s exactly what they’ve been getting away with on iOS all this time. It’s a dang shame.

Ok, there's a reason that Google and Apple control access to their apps stores like that. If everyone was allowed to install whatever they wanted iPhones would be victims of malware in short order. Be grateful for at least that part of the process. Security is pretty important, and one of the true virtues of owning an iOS or macOS device. And Apple does want to restrict the Mac App Store.
 
Shocker. I buy Apple because I feel protected and I trust them. There are plenty of other music and games to grandstand. Take a seat.
 
You can bet Steve Jobs is rolling over in his grave after this. He gave the car keys to Timmy and he wrapped the car around a telephone pole and embarrassed Steve Jobs legacy in the process.
I can’t install different software/apps in my car, why is a smartphone different?

Yes, you can. What is Carplay? You can even drop a Chevy engine in a Ford and vice versa with some effort.
Just because almost no one does that anymore doesn't mean it's impossible. Hell, my Subaru used a faulty Nissan transmission!
 
Of course they won't. Because the only alternative in iOS would be web-apps. And Apple refuses to implement certain web-technologies in a way that would allow developers to create web-apps that could compete with native apps.
Because web-apps definitely won't pay the 30% every developer owes Apple.
Web apps are notoriously difficult to make secure.
 
Is you car a mobile computer? An iPad/iPhone is. A MacBook is. Comparing apples to oranges (no pun intended) is a pathetic argument.

Well, I have a Tesla, I think it has a fair amount of computing power?

If we categorize something as a “mobile computer”, that means there is a law somewhere that says you can install whatever you want on it?

You get to install whatever it was designed for. If you want/need something different, just go buy something different.
 
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Yeah really seems like one of the largest games companies in the industry (a market apple dabbles in at best, and where every platform provider takes a similar cut) and the largest music streaming service are really having trouble competing *eyeroll*

Also the micro-transaction economy of fortnite should be criminal itself.
True. It's essentially gambling.
 
That’s fine, so give them away to allow users to install their apps on iOS with out the App Store. Already can do it using the Macintosh, why not iOS?

And why do you think they are keeping the Mac and iDevices as different business models? Even the soon to come merger of iOS and macOS facilitates development for both business models, and not to wall everything in. You can no longer manage your iOS device with a Mac... that's how separate they are. Want simple, secure, every day life helper gadgets and apps? Go iDevices. Want to handle and install specialized hardware/drivers, use specific software for pro development or creation purposes, or optimize certain parts of the OS to fit your workflow, tinker with a terminal for file management and the like? Get on macOS. You choose your level of involvement with your hardware/software. What we are watching right now are PR wars and have nothing to do with the actual business a developer has with a hardware/software solutions company.
 
Judge: So you willingly violated the agreement. Now you’re upset because the agreement is now void, is that correct? Yes. Case dismissed...
 
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Funny how nobody here is talking about how Apple gives exceptions to certain companies. That's the real problem.

Also, why isn't anyone talking about XCloud and how Apple restricting this is a load of nonsense? How is XCloud any different from Netflix, Spotify, or Hulu? No code is downloaded, it's essentially a video stream.

It's a load of nonsense. Apple, the way out of this, allow side loading of apps. And before ANYONE brings up "Web Apps" not even remotely close as a valid option. Macs offer side loading. iOS should too.
 
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