davidlewis54

It’s fine if these companies don’t want to operate via the App Store.  Many companies don’t.  It is entirely reasonable for Apple to charge what it does for providing the infrastructure.  Selling via the App Store still gives 70%. If that’s not enough, then put your price up a bit.  I suspect it’s all about Apple having money and the startups don’t. Quite why Apple should provide its services for free or at a reduced price is beyond me.

Oh, no. No more advertising. Any pop ups and I’m out.

A full sized HomePod is very good news!  The sound quality of the Mini is just nowhere near the original full-size, so I’m up for it.

It is a shame when apps are not updated and won’t work on newer OSs. I do, though, see the reasoning. More frustrating is when an app changes developer and has to be paid for again (which I won’t do).

On one other point, I don’t think Apple can be considered a monopoly. There are a number of alternatives.  However, it is entirely fair if Apple controls the content and operation of software run on its hardware.  Apple hardware and software combined are far more secure than, say, MS operating systems because hardware and software are integrated.  If developers are allowed a free-for-all the security will be compromised.  If a developer wants to run its app on an Apple device it should (a) tie in with Apple infrastructure and (b) pay Apple for the ability to do so.

The fees are clearly not illegal.  If the companies sign up for the Apple Pay service, they do so knowingly. If there is another free service, well, fine. Apple is again generating business for the banks and pays for the infrastructure.  Yet another try-on for third parties to make money from Apple with no justification.