I have long argued for fixing the 2 most fundamental problems with the App Store: exclusive distribution and exclusive payment. With Apple’s monopoly on iOS app distribution, we should have more options such as side-loading, reduced payment fees, and flexibility to sell subscriptions outside the store without hiding external links from potential users.
See my blog posts from 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, and my broader essay on open gardens.
Now the EU is investigating Apple. Apple’s response:
It’s disappointing the European Commission is advancing baseless complaints from a handful of companies who simply want a free ride, and don’t want to play by the same rules as everyone else… We don’t think that’s right — we want to maintain a level playing field where anyone with determination and a great idea can succeed.
This is the worst, most insulting statement from Apple that I’ve ever seen. Everything in it is backwards.
