Matt, you’re conflating iPhone app security with the business of the App Store (“Apple will argue that it protects iPhone users from spam, malware, and predatory apps by tightly controlling its app store.”) and this is incorrect. Apple’s own model for macOS shows the path to separating these concerns: in macOS’ default security settings, it will refuse to run apps that haven’t been “notarized”, that is digitally signed by Apple against a known developer identity. Akin to how iOS developers must submit their binaries for App Review, macOS notarization is a simpler process that enables trust in binaries distributed outside the Mac App Store (MAS). The overwhelming majority of publicly distributed macOS binaries are notarized, whether from independent developers selling outside the MAS, open-source app and tooling builds, etc. It’s *vitally* important that this distinction be retained in conversations around App Store. There are giant public interest concerns in platform security and end-to-end trust, yet those concerns have zero technical conflict with the also-giant public interest around these anti-trust arguments.
Just a typo assume you meant capital ;) - Typically large businesses reserve their political political to limit government enforcers or regulators, but something strange started happening a few years ago
"Epic took on Valve, which owned a monopoly game store, Steam, by launching its rival Epic Games Store. "
It's very difficult to call Valve a monopoly by the time Epic launched its store. Already at that time there was competitors like GOG, itch, Origin and the various publisher stores (battle.net, UPlay, Paradox store, etc.), and of course, the Windows Store which is installed by default on modern Windows installations. If anything, the trend was for publishers to start their own stores/launchers. The linked article itself mentions that EA quit Steam for years, and judging by their revenue reports[1], they did not suffer for it all that much (if at all).
Matt, I think the main issue is honestly in the way Apple does not treat individuals fairly in regards to the tax/fee they require. If everyone was charged 30% on all transactions in the app store, Apple has every right to do so because they "created" the App Store.
However, where it becomes concerning is when "special" rates are provided to companies such as Nike, Amazon, etc. This provides a direct disincentive to small business and further props up big business by subsidizing their growth.
Can you imagine if Apple charged 30% to Amazon or any other big players? This argument wouldn't exist because Apple could fall back on its "fair fee to everyone".
Is the case against Google not damaged by the fact that you can install on android not going through the store, and indeed for a good while that was the only way to play Fortnite on Android?
Now that they are banned from the play store, you can still download it the original way.
After stating Google's cut wasn't worth it, they moved to the play store, because they decided it was worth more money to be on the Play store, but they have other options, including launching Epic Store for Android. They could even partner with an OEM to include Epic store on their Android phones by default.
Matt, I read your blog a lot. Hugely enjoyable and makes me think about these issues in the UK. In the meantime, I came across this research into the cost of mobile data globally. Was astonished to see the most expensive region in the world by far is...North America, supposedly technologically advanced and developed. Probably another sorry example of this problem: https://www.cable.co.uk/mobiles/worldwide-data-pricing/
I believe Apple should not be allowed to put their apps directly on the Iphone. They should be forced to compete fairly by putting their apps in the Appstore and having to compete to get customers to download them and install them. Why should Apple be allowed to have Apple Music on every Iphone when Spotify is not.
I think the biggest deal here is Apple's retaliation -- revoking the developer account will have one of two effects:
1) chilling effect across the game industry -- very few game dev teams have the resources to build a cross-platform game engine that can power modern 3D games. They are so incredibly complex; a large percentage of the industry relies on UnrealEngine. It isn't the only game in town, but it's a substatial part
2) many game developers will not target Apple platforms any more. That could actually hurt iOS quite a bit. MacOS is an irrelevant gaming platfrorm -- Linux is frankly more relevant. But if companies that want to bring ports of their console and PC games that use UnrealEngine suddenly can't target iOS, that could hurt Apple more than Epic.
Hi Matt, I had an argument recently with someone who said facebook etc. were private companies and and could do whatever they wanted regarding censoring things. I tried to say that they are private in name but public in fucntion, and that they have a monopoly on that function. But I didn't know how to form my argument exactly. Where do you stand on this, regarding "free speech" on such platforms?
"Apple’s use of copyright locks also allows it to establish a monopoly over how its customers acquire software for their mobile devices. The App Store’s commercial terms guarantee Apple a share of all revenues generated by the apps sold there, meaning that Apple gets paid when you buy an app from its store and then continues to get paid every time you buy something using that app. This comes out of the bottom line of software developers, who must either charge more or accept lower profits for their products.
Crucially, Apple’s use of copyright locks gives it the power to make editorial decisions about which apps you may and may not install on your own device. Apple has used this power to reject dictionaries for containing obscene words; to limit political speech, especially from apps that make sensitive political commentary such as an app that notifies you every time a U.S. drone kills someone somewhere in the world; and to object to a game that commented on the Israel-Palestine conflict."
"Apple’s payment system charges a 30% tax for any revenue generated by any iPhone app during its first year"
This is wrong. Apple takes 30% of of all revenue (in-app purchases, etc) forever, not just in the first year. It only goes down to 15% in subsequent years for subscription revenue (which is a rare thing - almost all revenue isn't subscription based).
Matt, you’re conflating iPhone app security with the business of the App Store (“Apple will argue that it protects iPhone users from spam, malware, and predatory apps by tightly controlling its app store.”) and this is incorrect. Apple’s own model for macOS shows the path to separating these concerns: in macOS’ default security settings, it will refuse to run apps that haven’t been “notarized”, that is digitally signed by Apple against a known developer identity. Akin to how iOS developers must submit their binaries for App Review, macOS notarization is a simpler process that enables trust in binaries distributed outside the Mac App Store (MAS). The overwhelming majority of publicly distributed macOS binaries are notarized, whether from independent developers selling outside the MAS, open-source app and tooling builds, etc. It’s *vitally* important that this distinction be retained in conversations around App Store. There are giant public interest concerns in platform security and end-to-end trust, yet those concerns have zero technical conflict with the also-giant public interest around these anti-trust arguments.
Epic might have a bit more merit in their argument against Apple's AND Google's stores if not for (https://daringfireball.net/2020/08/sweeney_hand_waving_game_consoles_app_stores) how they seem to be perfectly OK with how the gaming console makers treat them.
Just a typo assume you meant capital ;) - Typically large businesses reserve their political political to limit government enforcers or regulators, but something strange started happening a few years ago
I am Apple customer because they go out of their way to protect me from bad actors.
If Apple is forced to become Microsoft then what? We all get to live with constant threat to our privacy our finances?
No thank you Matt.
Considering your blog's theme, is there really no other way to buy your book than thru Amazon?
"Epic took on Valve, which owned a monopoly game store, Steam, by launching its rival Epic Games Store. "
It's very difficult to call Valve a monopoly by the time Epic launched its store. Already at that time there was competitors like GOG, itch, Origin and the various publisher stores (battle.net, UPlay, Paradox store, etc.), and of course, the Windows Store which is installed by default on modern Windows installations. If anything, the trend was for publishers to start their own stores/launchers. The linked article itself mentions that EA quit Steam for years, and judging by their revenue reports[1], they did not suffer for it all that much (if at all).
[1] https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/EA/electronic-arts/revenue
Matt, I think the main issue is honestly in the way Apple does not treat individuals fairly in regards to the tax/fee they require. If everyone was charged 30% on all transactions in the app store, Apple has every right to do so because they "created" the App Store.
However, where it becomes concerning is when "special" rates are provided to companies such as Nike, Amazon, etc. This provides a direct disincentive to small business and further props up big business by subsidizing their growth.
Can you imagine if Apple charged 30% to Amazon or any other big players? This argument wouldn't exist because Apple could fall back on its "fair fee to everyone".
Is the case against Google not damaged by the fact that you can install on android not going through the store, and indeed for a good while that was the only way to play Fortnite on Android?
Now that they are banned from the play store, you can still download it the original way.
After stating Google's cut wasn't worth it, they moved to the play store, because they decided it was worth more money to be on the Play store, but they have other options, including launching Epic Store for Android. They could even partner with an OEM to include Epic store on their Android phones by default.
Matt, I read your blog a lot. Hugely enjoyable and makes me think about these issues in the UK. In the meantime, I came across this research into the cost of mobile data globally. Was astonished to see the most expensive region in the world by far is...North America, supposedly technologically advanced and developed. Probably another sorry example of this problem: https://www.cable.co.uk/mobiles/worldwide-data-pricing/
Hey Matt,
I believe Apple should not be allowed to put their apps directly on the Iphone. They should be forced to compete fairly by putting their apps in the Appstore and having to compete to get customers to download them and install them. Why should Apple be allowed to have Apple Music on every Iphone when Spotify is not.
Good writing. Thank you.
I think the biggest deal here is Apple's retaliation -- revoking the developer account will have one of two effects:
1) chilling effect across the game industry -- very few game dev teams have the resources to build a cross-platform game engine that can power modern 3D games. They are so incredibly complex; a large percentage of the industry relies on UnrealEngine. It isn't the only game in town, but it's a substatial part
2) many game developers will not target Apple platforms any more. That could actually hurt iOS quite a bit. MacOS is an irrelevant gaming platfrorm -- Linux is frankly more relevant. But if companies that want to bring ports of their console and PC games that use UnrealEngine suddenly can't target iOS, that could hurt Apple more than Epic.
Hi Matt, I had an argument recently with someone who said facebook etc. were private companies and and could do whatever they wanted regarding censoring things. I tried to say that they are private in name but public in fucntion, and that they have a monopoly on that function. But I didn't know how to form my argument exactly. Where do you stand on this, regarding "free speech" on such platforms?
Thanks for your work and thoughts
thank for your writting. Download plants vs zombies 2 mod for free here https://modpree.com/plants-vs-zombies-2/
Hi Matt,
Came across this article by Cory Doctorow and thought it was a relevant read. https://onezero.medium.com/how-to-destroy-surveillance-capitalism-8135e6744d59
"Apple’s use of copyright locks also allows it to establish a monopoly over how its customers acquire software for their mobile devices. The App Store’s commercial terms guarantee Apple a share of all revenues generated by the apps sold there, meaning that Apple gets paid when you buy an app from its store and then continues to get paid every time you buy something using that app. This comes out of the bottom line of software developers, who must either charge more or accept lower profits for their products.
Crucially, Apple’s use of copyright locks gives it the power to make editorial decisions about which apps you may and may not install on your own device. Apple has used this power to reject dictionaries for containing obscene words; to limit political speech, especially from apps that make sensitive political commentary such as an app that notifies you every time a U.S. drone kills someone somewhere in the world; and to object to a game that commented on the Israel-Palestine conflict."
"Apple’s payment system charges a 30% tax for any revenue generated by any iPhone app during its first year"
This is wrong. Apple takes 30% of of all revenue (in-app purchases, etc) forever, not just in the first year. It only goes down to 15% in subsequent years for subscription revenue (which is a rare thing - almost all revenue isn't subscription based).
2 Analysis group studies recently released :
How Large Is the Apple App Store Ecosystem? released by Apple https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/app-store-study-2019.pdf
Apple’s App Store and Other Digital Marketplaces A Comparison of Commission Rates https://www.analysisgroup.com/globalassets/insights/publishing/apples_app_store_and_other_digital_marketplaces_a_comparison_of_commission_rates.pdf