You’re Paying into a Broken System Whenever You Buy Something on iOS

> Here’s the thing: If you’re a developer for iOS or macOS and want to charge customers money, the Apple-provided payment tools, which demand a 30% cut, are the only ones you’re allowed to use. It’s not even a discussion.

Why does macOS keep getting offhandedly roped into these discussions? Not only is the Mac App Store not a requirement, it's rarely used.

Maybe Apple intends to change that some day, but that's speculation, not reality. And frankly, from where I sit, people have been predicting the demise of macOS sideloading for nearly a decade now, and they're still waiting.

Re: You’re Paying into a Broken System Whenever You Buy Something on iOS

#6

Post by blub » Tue, Jul 30, 2019, 3:05 PM UTC

The mobile app markets are operating at such scales, that there's a literal avalanche of scammers and assholes waiting to take advantage of you.

There is zero chance that I would send personal info or payment data to some no-name app and even most of the other well known apps.

Re: You’re Paying into a Broken System Whenever You Buy Something on iOS

#7

Post by crazygringo » Tue, Jul 30, 2019, 3:07 PM UTC

gchokov wrote: post #2

I am happy buying stuff from the iOS store. It's convenient, quick and easy. No objection as an end user.

Wouldn't you be happier if prices were 25% lower?

Maybe you're not objecting because you don't know how much better the alternative could be?

Re: You’re Paying into a Broken System Whenever You Buy Something on iOS

#8

Post by trilila » Tue, Jul 30, 2019, 3:07 PM UTC

gchokov wrote: post #2

I am happy buying stuff from the iOS store. It's convenient, quick and easy. No objection as an end user.

Not to mention it prevents piracy and it is significantly more safe than downloading off of random websites.

Re: You’re Paying into a Broken System Whenever You Buy Something on iOS

#9

Post by nerdjon » Tue, Jul 30, 2019, 3:07 PM UTC

>On no other platform would we accept a scenario where the owner of that platform dictated not only the tools developers can use, but restricted the ways they talk about their products and pricing. We would call it unfair, monopolistic, and overbearing. But on our smartphones, it’s just a fact of life.

I am pretty sure game consoles have been doing this basically since their existence. None of them allow you to make 'A' rated games for example. (Considering the topic of the article, it should be obvious I am referring to "restricted the ways they talk about their products and pricing" here)

Retail stores keep some amount of control over signage, I doubt Walmart would be particularly happy if a sign said you could buy X device cheaper directly from the manufacturer.

In reality Apple is continuing a trend that is normal for store fronts, digital or physical.

However, the "walled garden" of Apple is largely why I stick with iOS. I don't want to be forced to trust every company with my credit card information (a developer implementing their own payment system will be an immediate delete for me, with very few exception... like Amazon for obvious reasons).

Also lets not forget that we keep seeing reports that iOS users are more likely to spend money than Android users. I would argue that the increased income from users makes up for the 30% cut.

Re: You’re Paying into a Broken System Whenever You Buy Something on iOS

#10

Post by FerretFred » Tue, Jul 30, 2019, 3:08 PM UTC

gchokov wrote: post #2

I am happy buying stuff from the iOS store. It's convenient, quick and easy. No objection as an end user.

I used to be happy, but now, not so much due to the increasing trend of subscriptions. Yes I know developers have a living to make, but when you end up potentially paying $50 a year for an SSH client it no longer works for me. Why not charge a realistic one-time fee for an app and then I'll gladly pay.