Apple’s reluctant, punitive compliance with regulators will destroy its political and developer credibility

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Apple is on a roll when it comes to being forced by state entities and governing bodies: alternative payment methods, stripping off features from existing hardware, allowing alternative app stores and actual browser default competition – everywhere you turn. Some appear to be satisfied with reversals, either due to lawsuit decisions not being consistent with them or due to lawmakers regulating their preferred way of doing business out of existence.

Apple doesn’t enjoy it, which should surprise no one. Even more surprising should be how willing Apple is to complain and scream in front of its customers about how much it doesn’t like it, and how it thinks it will be bad for them – for the users, whom Apple Considers his wards weak-willed in some cases.

“With each change, Apple is introducing new security measures that reduce – but do not eliminate – the new risks posed by DMA for EU users,” this text is taken from Apple’s own press release which states Changes being made to iOS 17.4 have been announced that comply with the newly implemented regulations. Digital Markets Act in Europe. The release also includes, “For users, the changes include new controls and disclosures, and expanded protections to reduce the privacy and security risks posed by DMAs” directly in large, bold font as the second subtitle.

Things like third-party app install vectors and side-loading, which are available on Android right now, can actually pose additional risks to users who are unaware and don’t take proper precautions or responsibility to ensure that their Have good software hygiene and are installing reputable software from trusted sources. But Apple’s scaremongering is probably overstating the problem, because as mentioned, Android has long exposed users to this risk — and Mac and Windows devices have always done the same. . Somehow, despite this, society remains intact and people agree to use those platforms with reasonable success.

Earlier this month, Apple also announced that developers would be able to link to the web to explain alternative subscription methods for content available as in-app digital purchases. However, it had several flaws, including how and where that link appeared was strictly controlled, and Apple had to grant special permission to apps to even be able to do so initially. Also, the real problem is that Apple says anyone who makes a purchase through that link has to take a 27% cut, and it throws up a scare sheet because users have to follow your link. Also going out.

It’s extremely understandable why Apple wouldn’t want to make these changes; Apple’s control over the App Store, and its cut of purchases (typically 30%, with a few exceptions) represents a significant portion of its services revenue, which can have a significant impact on earnings if reduced over time. What is not understood is how reluctant the company is to point fingers at its tightly clenched fist when it comes to compliance here.

Lawmakers are already looking to strike at Apple’s monolithic business in various places to see if it isn’t veering into antitrust territory — or, like Europe, already trying to limit its control and power. Making laws for. Acting like a kicked puppy when it comes to actually putting these things into practice isn’t going to convince these regulators of Apple’s arguments that these types of measures are not needed and are in fact user hostile.

At best, this seems short-sighted: Yes, doing so would mean that Apple’s revenue picture won’t change materially in the near term. But it also means it looks like a company that is extremely reluctant to work in the spirit of lawmakers to increase competition and reduce the worldwide influence of multi-trillion dollar companies like Apple. And developers are getting angry with Apple’s actions. Those bad feelings won’t mean much for platforms like iOS, which have unique install bases and are therefore indispensable if you’re building a mobile consumer software business, but they will be a major threat to any efforts to deplatform emerging platforms in the future. Will mean a lot to you. Ground – Like Apple Vision Pro.

It also means that Apple may be more vulnerable to competitors in its core businesses; At this point it may seem impossible that iOS could ever lose its position of power in the mobile market, but stranger things have happened, and developers are left feeling quite scorned and humiliated and trying to replicate the iPhone lightning strike for someone else. Would like to help if things get bad enough.



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