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I for one see it as a potential problem. Which is why I have the default option selected to only accept apps from the App Store.

I have broken this rule a couple of times.
1. I purchased an animation program, for a bit of fun. It installed all manner of interfering items on the menu, and was phoning home all the time. Deleted, for these reasons.
2. Drivers and support software for an audio interface. I'd have been a lot happier if it could have been accomplished through the App Store, so thumbs down for the vendor. I paid for the hardware, not the drivers.
Regardless of the outcome, I’m sure you appreciated the option of downloading apps not from the App Store though. That’s all we want— the option to do the same on iPhone.
 
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Exactly. There's a free and open market which allows anyone to enter and compete in. This is where competition laws need to be enacted to ensure that the market remains viable and competition can exist and thrive. One such market, as you pointed out, is the mobile phone market.

The AppStore does not apply. It is not an open market. You need Apple's developer tools, Apple's operating system, and Apple's devices to enter that market. It is also not a "free" market as developers need to pay $99/yr. to join Apple's Developer Program, plus you need to use another Apple product (a Mac) to create those apps.
I cannot tell if you are agreeing or not. There is no requirement for any one manufacturer to provide an open market. There is an open market amongst all mobile device manufacturers. Narrow the market too much and the argument becomes moot.

Developing for Apple devices may not be a free market, but the barrier to entry is pretty low. Apple's native developer tools are free to download and use. Once you are ready to publish on the store you have pay the $99. And, yes, this option does require other Apple hardware on which to develop.

But, there are several cross-platform development environments that can target Apple devices. Many of these are free to download. Others have up front costs. Again, the $99 is only paid once you are actually ready to publish. These cross platform tools also require some sort of hardware to run (Windows, Linux or Mac).
 
I totally agree! I prefer to use the Mac App Store myself. But it's a choice -- does having that choice make me any less secure? Like is Mac inherently bad/risky? Or is it up to the user to determine the level of risk they expose themselves to? I'm so confused lol
Is Apple trying to protect us or control us? With Apples censorship of free speech and overwhelming push of politically correct content I have to wonder.
 
It is not the same thing, nobody is asking Apple to allow the App Store to operate on Windows, Linux or Android. Epic are asking for options, for fair treatment of users and developers, for other ways to download and distribute apps.
Lets not mince words here ;)

Certain parties want to create their own App Store and profit like Apple did.
 
How about just allowing apps on the device that are sourced from outside the App Store? Like on macOS.
This way the App Store can stay a safe and trusted place while also letting the user decide what software they run, and not ask for Apple‘s opinion all the time.
Exactly. Apple already provides some extra level of protection for apps loaded from outside of the Mac App store. It's called signed developer apps. The Macs arent being hacked left right and centre because of this. The phones won't be either.

Apple has kept a tight monopoly on the app distribution process. It's time for that to loosen. There are many ways to skin the cat.

I don't particularly mind the 15-30% that Apple charges for a one time sale of an app. I do have a much bigger problem with the cut they want from the subscription fees. Devs should be given a choice. Either continue as is, or pay a hosting fee for the app on the App Store, then charge whatever sub fees you want with no app store cut.
 
Right, so if the idea behind the walled garden on iOS/iPadOS is that it makes those devices more safe and secure... does this mean my Mac is not safe to use? Am I exposing myself to security and privacy risks by using a Mac? 😳
It’s always funny that people forget that that’s how things work on Mac. But what about piracy and security!!?! Last I checked we were bragging about those two things being non issues on macOS.

Sure is starting to devolve back into the usual “I’m on whatever side apples on <3”
 
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As part of its investigation, the CMA will probe into Apple's 30% commission for in-app purchases. Apple requires developers to use its own App Store in-app purchasing system for purchases made within apps. As part of the system, Apple gets a 30% commission for any purchase made. Developers have voiced concern that the commission is too high, and as a result, Apple announced a lower 15% commission for qualifying, small-indie developers.

Apple does:

SDK development 👍
OS development 🙏
Content moderation 👈
Store maintenance 👏
Reviewing the code 🙌
Marketing materials for developers 🏪
Payment processing and refunds 💸
Cloud sync data for games ☁️

If a developer does that they will be paying a lot of money for marketing, payment processing, cloud services, and they have to gain trust from customers that they are handling data as well as Apple. Nobody handles data and payment cards as well as Apple. NOBODY.

If Apple doesn’t earn from all that then they will have to charge for operating system upgrades again, charge more for developer accounts and charge for XCode too. They have been giving away free software for 10 years.

Also, you can subscribe to services outside the App Store. Netflix, Prime, Spotify, Adobe. All can be subscribed from a web browser.
 
Right, so if the idea behind the walled garden on iOS/iPadOS is that it makes those devices more safe and secure... does this mean my Mac is not safe to use? Am I exposing myself to security and privacy risks by using a Mac? 😳

Your Mac is safe to use, but yes it is less secure than an iOS/iPadOS device and you are exposing yourself to security and privacy risks if you load applications that are not from the Mac App Store.
 
How about just allowing apps on the device that are sourced from outside the App Store? Like on macOS.

I enjoy that my iDevice is almost completely safe. Remember that Android Malware has increased vastly over the past 12 months, whereas there are no known malware currently on the iPhone that hasn’t been jailbroken as far as I am aware

If you don't feel comfortable getting your apps outside of Apple's walled garden, don't. You won't be forced to. It'll be an option.

For those who have no problem getting an app from outside of the app store (e.g. directly from the developer or another app store), let them.

Why are so many people here against having a choice?
 
If you don't feel comfortable getting your apps outside of Apple's walled garden, don't. You won't be forced to. It'll be an option.

For those who have no problem getting an app from outside of the app store (e.g. directly from the developer or another app store), let them.

Why are so many people here against having a choice?
Because apple said so, mostly
 
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The CMA would be wise to focus first on "how & why" Apple Controls the Narrative in their "curated' iOS App Store.

NOT Rocket Science, they figure that out, & they will have Insight into the App Store that most do NOT.
 
It is not "We believe in thriving and competitive markets where any great idea can flourish." when Apple stops so many apps just because it can, not because they are dangerous or a problem. Sure they also stop some problems and if that was all they did, then fine. But it is not.

We need an alternative App Store or the ability to side load.

Now I understand that this forum has a lot of people that reside in their own little white room with bumper pads and are so afraid they want to stifle freedom, but there are some of us that know how to manage ourselves and our own behavior.

If you don't want to use any other App Store and are fine with Apple's nanny rules, then fine. I don't want to stop you from using Apple's App Store and its archaic freedom destroying rules. But there is absolutely no technical or dangerous reason for you to block me from loading the software I want on MY phone. Unless, of course, you have other motives that are not related to your phone and your security.
 
The simplicity and safety of the AppStore is the reason for its HUGE success

In macOS I use both models. Don’t see how macOS hybrid model would hurt iOS or it users. Certainly is not hurting users in macOS. Unless Apple is also implying that macOS is an unsafe for users, a place that user cannot trust, don’t understand the argument poised by Apple.

So it must be that iOS is safe and trusted place for Apple to collect 30% of digital services revenues. In macOS, as other options are given to both digital services and users, that is not so much the case.
 
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The authority says that it has "reasonable grounds" to believe that Apple has broken competition law in some form under the Competition Act of 1998.

The CMA says that its investigation will determine whether or not Apple has a dominant position in...
I guess guilty until proven innocent is what is happening here then
 
Umm, no one forgot that's how the Mac works. They just understand that Apple decided a mobile device needed to be much more secure and stable... And having had years and years of experience with security, stability, and compatibility issues on the Mac, one way to deal with it was to restrict 3rd party development.

Well. I cannot think of a reason why I’m having bluetooth connection challenges with latest macOS when I had none before. Even with AirPods sometimes. I think there is probably more investment in QA process for iPhone / iOS rather than Mac / macOS. Not to mention that macOS may be a more complex piece of software than iOS. Which is natural, as the other is at the center of Apple growth.
 
BAM, that was the first slap, great to read this...now back to the terminal...
Of course they had to shout back some marketing BS that Apples saves the world, and without Apple we would still be eating Bananas and sleeping on trees, morons.
 
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