rabidfanbase

darkvader said:

Apple should not have to host any app they don't like in their app store.

Apple should not be allowed to prevent me from installing any app I like on MY iPhone.

There's a very simple solution here.  Apple MUST be forced to allow device owners to install software from any source they choose.  It's the same issue in the Epic case, I would never suggest that Apple should be forced to host Epic's software, but if Epic wants to distribute software outside of Apple's app store, any mechanism Apple uses to prevent that is clearly and blatantly an illegal abuse of their monopoly of the iOS software market.

It's time for antitrust law to come down HARD on Apple.

Or, you know, you could buy a different device.

What I think can and will happen with these antitrust lawsuits is that Apple will open up to third-party billing outside of their services and cut down on fees to make it more palatable for developers.  Ultimately it's going to be Apple deciding if they are giving an inch only for Epic Games to take a mile should they voluntarily or through court decision make this move.

What I find fascinating is that people here are slamming Apple and demanding free use of their iPhone to install anything they want.  You bought an Apple-produced device running iOS.  It's going to run applications written in accordance to the terms and conditions set forth by Apple, to which you and developers agree to because you want to use these products and sell your wares.  When you don't like the terms, because you feel they are too restrictive because one game or app wants to give you 8,000 in-game credits using their own payment processor and sell you on a discount by going direct, you bitch about the agreement.  You call it unfair, but in turn don't offer a sustainable model to replace it.  You want Epic Games to have their own App Store?  You aren't defeating Goliath, you are growing a new one. 

What you want and need are guidelines for any and all software marketplaces to abide by, so that all the players on the field are following the same rules.  The problem is, you aren't going to get those kind of rules easily.  There will be disagreements over blood, gore, and violence.  Sex, drug use, and adults-only content will be desired as well.  Apple cannot imagine a future where pornography apps are prevalent on the iPhone or any of its "i" devices, but it may one day be the norm.  But before we reach nirvana, you are going to have Epic stores, Valve stores, etc.  They are going to have pissing contests over exclusive apps and games, fees, and more.  The initial competition will benefit consumers short-term, but you will have problems.  This isn't a time where a "will come to that bridge when we cross it" will suffice.  You have to create a sustainable alternative that the platforms can migrate to.