This article from Ars Technica sums up to me just why allowing independent app stores on iOS would be a disaster for both the consumer and Apple.
arstechnica.com
Right now Apple has a well earned reputation of being relatively secured devices. Part of that is ensuring that applications follow the rules, do not exceed their limitations and especially do not take advantage of "hidden" or undocumented API calls.
The argument I read here from those pushing for these independent app stores is that it's "their phone" and therefore "their risk".
I'd posit though that when does freedom risk another's reputation? If such app stores were allowed and then people's phones were affected by malicious software as a result, no one will care where it came from. No one will care if it was from an independent app store. Apple's name and reputation will forever be tarnished. Just as Google's name is today.
On the whole Google try to do a pretty decent job these days at limiting the risk: sadly no one gives a monkey's about that and Android will forever be tarnished as a generally unsafe platform where malware thrives.
That is one reason I feel Apple is fighting so hard to block this: independent app stores could seriously damage the safe and secure cachet that Apple currently enjoys. And loosing that prestigious reputation could cost the company billions in the long term.
“Joker”—the malware that signs you up for pricey services—floods Android markets
Dozens of malicious apps, some available in Play, found in the past couple months.
arstechnica.com
Right now Apple has a well earned reputation of being relatively secured devices. Part of that is ensuring that applications follow the rules, do not exceed their limitations and especially do not take advantage of "hidden" or undocumented API calls.
The argument I read here from those pushing for these independent app stores is that it's "their phone" and therefore "their risk".
I'd posit though that when does freedom risk another's reputation? If such app stores were allowed and then people's phones were affected by malicious software as a result, no one will care where it came from. No one will care if it was from an independent app store. Apple's name and reputation will forever be tarnished. Just as Google's name is today.
On the whole Google try to do a pretty decent job these days at limiting the risk: sadly no one gives a monkey's about that and Android will forever be tarnished as a generally unsafe platform where malware thrives.
That is one reason I feel Apple is fighting so hard to block this: independent app stores could seriously damage the safe and secure cachet that Apple currently enjoys. And loosing that prestigious reputation could cost the company billions in the long term.
