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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

#221
post #72

If Apple allowed other payment methods, that would incentivize developers not to go through Apple at all. Even paid apps would switch over to an unlock model in order to avoid the 30% cut. So I think it's very unlikely that Apple will allow other payment options. It's more likely for their 30% to go down, but even that's questionable.

I would be satisfied if they would allow you to charge a premium to use IAP instead of forcing all pricing to be the same (even though they take a big cut of the IAP).

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#222

I think the main thing which really needs to be done is allow a non-apple App Store which hosts the apps on non-apple servers. Only reason I can see Apple's 30% cut (15% would be better) justified is that they host the download files for apps and also review them. So I can see why they need a cut - 30% is too much imo. Of course that comes with its on risks as Apple won't be able to control what apps get installed bu…

Suggested name: Crap Store.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#223

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%.

There is - buy the more popular, larger market share Android phone and your problem is solved.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#224
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.

Apple only has 24% share of devices

Microsoft ruled desktops

If this were Target or Walmart, people wouldn’t be beefing at how they choose to stick their shelves

“Let’s equivocate over how this should feel different!”

Let’s stop ogling corporations altogether maybe.

It’s all the paying attention to how they might be screwing you specifically in the context of money markets distracting from how the current admin is giving trillions away to buddies to manipulate markets in the old way you quit paying attention to with plain old corruption.

Too boring! Let’s wax poetic about Apples slight to social correctness!

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#225

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They will lose as the TOS clearly indicates the rules and Epic agreed to them. This is basic contract law. Apple has a massive team of experienced lawyers.

TOS can't violate laws though. A contract that is in violation of the law isn't enforceable. Epic is looking for a judgement to make it illegal.

Y-yes, basically. I think it's worth mentioning CFPB regularly fines businesses and debt collectors for illegal 'TOS', as certain aspects of TOS are regulated for consumer protection. Similarly goes for HIPAA protections on healthcare provider data.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#226

I don't think this should be regulated at all. Apple should be able to impose their rules in their systems. Let's be clear about this, if people are choosing to buy these black-box closed handheld computing devices, there are consequences that come with that choice.

I don't agree. Millions (maybe even billions) of people user their devices and the country absolutely should regulate their systems. As an extreme example imagine if Apple tomorrow said that all apps have to pay a 95% cut instead of a 30% cut and all customers have to pay $20/month to use Wifi or internet on their iPhone. Obviously this is unlikely to happen but then I would expect the govt. to intervene. If Apple wa…

That's a pretty big straw man argument. If Apple said all apps have to pay a 95% cut and all customers have to pay $20/mo to use Internet on their phones then they'd nearly instantly lose massive market share and the backlash would be so severe that they'd never regain that market share. In other words; they'd never do that.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#227
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.

Fuck AMP. The fact that there is no way to turn it off is one of the main reasons I don't use Google on my phone. DDG often has slightly poorer results, but I often find answers to my questions in Reddit threads and Reddit has a horrible mobile experience. Between AMP and them throwing 15 different popups at me to get their app (why would I want their single tab app?!?!), it's borderline unusable.

I've had the best experience ever since I ditched Google for DDG on my phone, and stuck Reddit on (old) desktop mode with a text wrapping browser. Don't miss Google at all, I only now use it to search for programming stuff.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#228

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.

I'm not convinced it was ever something they wholeheartedly supported -- I suspect it was more of a hedge than anything. The Steam Machine hardware project, which was their big Linux push, wound down around 2016.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#229

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I mean, couldn't we just replace Microsoft->Sony and PC->Playstation and the argument falls apart a bit? > Imagine if Sony did this on Playstation. a) prohibiting the installation of non-PlayStation games and b) insisting that all purchases done via their store give them a 30% cut. Many platforms are like this -- and many also have the majority marketshare. Is this a call to redefine what platforms can and cannot con…

There is a distinction between a general purpose computing device and a gaming console. I depend on my computer for important aspects of my life, not just entertainment. I perceive capricious behaviour like this ad a threat to my liberty and well-being.

Like it or not, U.S. law doesn't seem to hinge on what one user personally depends on or feels is essential.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#230
post #72

If Apple allowed other payment methods, that would incentivize developers not to go through Apple at all. Even paid apps would switch over to an unlock model in order to avoid the 30% cut. So I think it's very unlikely that Apple will allow other payment options. It's more likely for their 30% to go down, but even that's questionable.

Android allows developers to integrate Stripe and take customer's credit cards and bypass the 30% cut. Yet, many apps choose have direct Play Store purchases, since that convenience might translate to a higher conversion rate. Android also allows third party apps to be installed. Your argument doesn't hold up in light of all of this.

>Android allows developers to integrate Stripe and take customer's credit cards and bypass the 30% cut.

You are completely wrong.

https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/9/21003553/google-play-stor...

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