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Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

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Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#191

Post by hn_check »

reissbaker wrote: post #31
s3r3nity wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Imagine if Microsoft only had 14% global market share.* [*] https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share

iOS market share in the US — which certainly is something US courts would care about — is nearly 60%. https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/united-sta...

StatCounter measures web usage, not market share. iOS users tend to jump into Safari and browse the web from their devices more than peer devices, quite contrary to the conspiratorial noise often spread on here.

By actual sales of devices, iOS accounts for between 41-46% of the market. That users on iOS tend to use the web more from their devices doesn't somehow make it a monopoly.

And to be clear I don't think whether it's a monopoly or not is particularly relevant -- it's still arguably abusive, anticompetitive behavior -- but that misleading statcounter claim is used for disinformation on here daily.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#192

Post by winter_blue »

immigrantsheep wrote: post #52
recklesstodd wrote: post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Valve is anticipating such move in a near future and investing in gaming on Linux.

AFAIK Valve already tried the whole Linux as a gaming platform thing and gave up completely a few months ago.

This is completely false. They've been contributing massively to the gaming scene on Linux, especially with Proton – a more fine-tuned version of Wine, that makes playing Windows games on Linux seamless and easy.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#193

Post by blisseyGo »

seniorsassycat wrote: post #27
lordleft wrote: post #6

Imagine if Microsoft did this on PCs. a) prohibiting the installation of non-windows store software (sideloading) and b) insisting that all purchases done via apps give them a 30% cut. I think this is a ridiculous practice on the behalf of Apple.

Web browsers are apps, e-commerce is in-app purchasing. App stores get 30% of Amazon. Come to think of it, why are web browsers excluded from the in-app fee?

The 30% cut only applies to in-app content. Doesn't apply to physical goods or services delivered via the app. So things like UBER, AirBnb, SkipTheDishes etc are not part of it.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#194

Post by tyingq »

ryanSrich wrote: post #171

I think I’m completely fine with Apple doing this. It’s a clear violation of the TOS and Epic clearly knows that. They likely also knew well before making the update and perhaps thought Apple would bluff and only threaten a take down. Platforms aren’t free.

Why would Epic have a heavily produced video and lawsuit ready if they thought Apple would bluff?

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#195

Post by kqvamxurcagg »

nodesocket wrote: post #173

I don't see the problem, Epic explicitly went around the app store's payment process and terms of service. It's within Apple's right to pull Fortnite. They are also suing Apple as well. Why should Epic get a “special arrangement” from all other developers? If you don't like the terms, then don't be on the Apple App store, but of course your missing a huge swath of the population thus the 30% fee. Being on the App sto…

As a consumer, why can't there be an alternative App Store on IoS if I don't like the Apple terms? Apple shouldn't force consumers and developers to provide them with 30%.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#196

Post by ubercow13 »

skizm wrote: post #68
swiley wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Apple is more than welcome to put whatever rules they want on their systems. My phone is not their system though, it’s mine! If I want to run tmux/fetchmail/ocamlc on it then it’s my problem not theirs!

Agreed it shouldn't be illegal , but Apple (or any hardware / software maker) should be allowed to do everything in their power to make this extremely inconvenient by putting in hardware blocks, bricking logic, updating their software regularly with new obfuscation techniques, etc. and also, voiding the warranty if there is evidence of tampering with hardware or software.

Why should any company be allowed to intentionally brick a product I own because I am doing something legal with it that they don't like?

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#198

Post by mapgrep »

You could argue about Apple's rights, or citizens' free speech rights, or consumer rights, under existing law. It would be an interesting discussion because I think it's a lot more complicated an issue that most people appreciate.

But really why not talk about how we think things should work on platforms like iOS? What should the law be? What protects essential human rights, encourages creativity, and allows business to function to some extent?

Personally, I would argue that consumers should have a legal right to install whatever software they wish on a product they have purchased, including onto the bundled operating system. I don't think it should be permissible for a company like Apple (or Microsoft or whoever) to sell me a gadget and then use various sorts of locks to try to keep me from putting whatever apps or app stores or services I like on it.

Does anyone have any argument for why this right would be a bad thing? People would get bad software on their phones, but last I checked, this is happening already, including on iOS. Apple would lose some margin, but last I checked, their investment in creating and maintaining iOS has been handsomely rewarded and would surely continue to be.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#199

Post by i80and »

LegitShady wrote: post #180
Seirdy wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It could be the case if AMP grows dominant; given the market share of Google Search, it could be enough to create a controlled (er, "curated") web in a similar spirit.

Still looking for a Firefox plugin to make sure I don't connect to amp versions of anything

I use https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/amp2html/
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