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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

#252
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 says they do it because of security reasons. Windows' open and liberal way of doing things made it a fertile ground for millions of viruses. But I still think every OS should be open for developing and distribution of software no matter how serious malware threat is.

I think thats disengenuous by Apple. Security gets you 5%, maybe 10. Not 30%. Let's face it their service to developers isn't exactly first rate.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#254

Epic Games has filed a lawsuit [1] and published a Fortnite-themed parody of Apple's "1984" [2] to get some publicity for it. [1] https://cdn2.unrealengine.com/apple-complaint-734589783.pdf [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euiSHuaw6Q4

I like the parody, but it's not really equivalent.

The original Apple parody was to convince consumers to switch from one platform (PC) to a different platform (Mac).

Now, maybe you believe Apple, in the form of iOS, has become Big Brother. Fine, in that case, Epic should provide its own gaming platform.

But Epic isn't trying to destroy Big Brother here. It still wants to run on Big Brother's platform. It just doesn't want to give up any revenue to do so.

Shrug.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#255
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.

As much as I know people who use windows would hate it, there’s really nothing preventing them from doing so morally. It’s their software, they steer it as they see fit. It would end up pushing a lot of people into Linux probably, or inspire the rise of something new.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#256
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.

But you don't understand, I want my uSeR eXpErIeNcE at the cost of choice and freedom. And your point is completely true, if Microsoft did this, all hell would break loose.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#257

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

I don't want to change my phone. I want to change my App Store. Why can't I? Because the App Store is a monopoly.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#258

Epic Games has filed a lawsuit [1] and published a Fortnite-themed parody of Apple's "1984" [2] to get some publicity for it. [1] https://cdn2.unrealengine.com/apple-complaint-734589783.pdf [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euiSHuaw6Q4

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.

Epic also has lawyers. This bit is just a quick chess opening, the real battle is a few moves down the line from here.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#259
Apple has not disallowed goods bought online or via other PC/mobile/consoles to be brought over. Or setting different prices depending on whether you buy through the iOS app or directly through a company. The restriction Epic violated is specifically around taking third party payments in-app.

So this isn’t even necessarily that Apple is rent seeking on their platform - it is that Apple is charging more for the marketing and convenience of having things available directly on their platform than Epic likes.

Re: Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

#260
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.

Does Apple still sell phones at a loss? If so they are subsidizing eyeballs for app devs and need to somehow get paid back for this.

You're confusing carrier subsidies with Apple selling at a loss... Apple never sold phones at a loss, the carriers did. Apple always gets paid.
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