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Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

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Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#21

Post by threatofrain »

FreakyT wrote: post #4

Really hoping regulators crack down hard on Apple's clearly anticompetitive practices. If Apple allowed sideloading the entire point would be, of course, moot, but Apple's continued refusal to allow this is really the biggest problem, IMO.

As a user I'm quite happy with Apple intermediating my relationship with companies that seek to do business with me over the phone, and I'd actually be happier if Apple took over more of my relationships.

I don't want a situation where 10 apps means 10 different privacy agreements. I also don't want to deal with app companies directly for returns or their custom payment solutions — an "Amazon" is way better.

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#22

Post by btbuilder »

wedn3sday wrote: post #7

How is the apple app store not the definition of a monopoly? Is there an competing app store on iphones that Epic could be using?

Apple has something like ~40% of US market share of smart phones. Therefore it is not a monopoly even if within that market share they have complete control with app store.

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#23

Post by rbecker »

epaga wrote: post #5

This is not surprising to me, and I have to say, I completely agree with it. Epic publicly and blatantly bypassed multiple App Store restrictions with their move today. Surely they were expecting this to happen, so what comes next? Perhaps Epic has been planning a major lawsuit and this will provide them with the reason to launch it? Edit: https://twitter.com/FortniteGame/status/1293984290326433792 They have an entir…

> I completely agree with it. Epic publicly and blatantly bypassed multiple App Store restrictions with their move today.

App Store policy is not law - its terms are unilaterally set by Apple. Citing it as justification makes no sense.

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#24

Post by kevingadd »

threatofrain wrote: post #21
FreakyT wrote: post #4

Really hoping regulators crack down hard on Apple's clearly anticompetitive practices. If Apple allowed sideloading the entire point would be, of course, moot, but Apple's continued refusal to allow this is really the biggest problem, IMO.

As a user I'm quite happy with Apple intermediating my relationship with companies that seek to do business with me over the phone, and I'd actually be happier if Apple took over more of my relationships. I don't want a situation where 10 apps means 10 different privacy agreements. I also don't want to deal with app companies directly for returns or their custom payment solutions — an "Amazon" is way better.

Each app already has its own terms of service

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#25

Post by donor20 »

elliekelly wrote: post #12

What is Apple’s end game here? It seems like they’re fighting a losing battle and digging their own antitrust grave. Pretty clever on Epic’s part to specifically highlight how Apple’s app store fee hits the user directly. Pretty short-sighted of Apple to immediately pull an app for providing consumers with additional disclosure about where their money is going.

Good lord - on HN the monopoly comments are so crazy sometimes. What is the monopoly issue Apple has? Use android if you don't like Apple's product line. Apple is at 22% share.

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#26

Post by kevingadd »

adrianmonk wrote: post #20

So, what is Epic's plan? I have to assume they fully expected removal. So they must have some next step in mind. Some kind of legal action? A complaint to regulators or a lawsuit? Are either of those likely to work?

Might be as simple as "let our players do the talking" since Fortnite has a huge audience and many of the players are really passionate.

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#27

Post by nabla9 »

Apple platform is closed like gaming consoles. Epic almost certainly knew this was going to happen. I think they are trying to build a case for regulatory intervention.

US Antitrust is still in the 80's Chicago School era where antitrust is solely based on consumer benefit and and efficiency. EU has more broad approach where economic power in the public interest is important. It may be up to the EU to change how Apple does business.

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#28

Post by toomuchtodo »

rbecker wrote: post #23
epaga wrote: post #5

This is not surprising to me, and I have to say, I completely agree with it. Epic publicly and blatantly bypassed multiple App Store restrictions with their move today. Surely they were expecting this to happen, so what comes next? Perhaps Epic has been planning a major lawsuit and this will provide them with the reason to launch it? Edit: https://twitter.com/FortniteGame/status/1293984290326433792 They have an entir…

> I completely agree with it. Epic publicly and blatantly bypassed multiple App Store restrictions with their move today. App Store policy is not law - its terms are unilaterally set by Apple. Citing it as justification makes no sense.

The law allows for Apple to do this. You don’t have to use Apple products. You don’t have to use the Apple transaction system. It is not a commons, it is not a monopoly. There are other platforms and e-commerce solutions.

If you want to regulate Apple’s behavior, introduce a law (I would support a law to regulate Apple’s cut of App Store transactions). Fortnite getting booted isn’t going to get a bill sponsored or have antitrust regulators take notice. It’s a breach of contract currently, no more no less.

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#29

Post by shajznnckfke »

threatofrain wrote: post #21
FreakyT wrote: post #4

Really hoping regulators crack down hard on Apple's clearly anticompetitive practices. If Apple allowed sideloading the entire point would be, of course, moot, but Apple's continued refusal to allow this is really the biggest problem, IMO.

As a user I'm quite happy with Apple intermediating my relationship with companies that seek to do business with me over the phone, and I'd actually be happier if Apple took over more of my relationships. I don't want a situation where 10 apps means 10 different privacy agreements. I also don't want to deal with app companies directly for returns or their custom payment solutions — an "Amazon" is way better.

> and I'd actually be happier if Apple took over more of my relationships.

I’m really curious what you mean by this. Which additional transactions do you wish Apple would take a 30% cut on? You DoorDash orders, your rent, your salary?

Re: Apple removes Fortnite from App Store after Epic attempts to bypass fees

#30

Post by CubsFan1060 »

threatofrain wrote: post #21
FreakyT wrote: post #4

Really hoping regulators crack down hard on Apple's clearly anticompetitive practices. If Apple allowed sideloading the entire point would be, of course, moot, but Apple's continued refusal to allow this is really the biggest problem, IMO.

As a user I'm quite happy with Apple intermediating my relationship with companies that seek to do business with me over the phone, and I'd actually be happier if Apple took over more of my relationships. I don't want a situation where 10 apps means 10 different privacy agreements. I also don't want to deal with app companies directly for returns or their custom payment solutions — an "Amazon" is way better.

Additionally, 10 different payment systems. I trust Apple. I'd like to buy whatever subscription, but now "Joe's email app" wants my credit card number. Now I have to figure out if I trust them as well.
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