> What if we flip it to: "Why do app developers deserve access to Apple's customers?"
As I posted in another comment, part of the reason Apple has so many customers is that their platform has so many apps. If all developers left the App Store overnight, would anyone go out and buy an iPhone the next day?
Apple benefits greatly from their app ecosystem, even ignoring the 30% App Store cut. They should be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
I absolutely agree, however the point I made is that the temptation of the market share means there will always be app developers willing to step in to replace any that withdraw from the market.
If I'm an app developer, from a purely financial perspective, why would I forego a market of Apple's size, even with a 30% tariff? Sure, I may lobby for change, or even go to court to try to reduce that tariff. But while I'm doing that, I sure won't be leaving money on the table. And there's little chance I'll abandon that market in the interim, in order to maintain an ethical position.
As I posted in another comment, part of the reason Apple has so many customers is that their platform has so many apps. If all developers left the App Store overnight, would anyone go out and buy an iPhone the next day?
Apple benefits greatly from their app ecosystem, even ignoring the 30% App Store cut. They should be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.