Social media and tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and X have spoken out against Apple taking commissions from in-app purchases and restricting how developers can link to their websites.
As you may remember, we reported that Apple banned Epic’s developer account two weeks ago. Epic Games is also protesting Apple’s compliance with a court order requiring it to withdraw its anti-steering rules.
On the other hand, it seems that Apple reinstated Epic Games’ developer account after a while and paved the way for Fortnite to return to iOS devices. However, the tension against Apple has spread to other companies, including Epic Games.
Meta, Microsoft, and X are criticizing Apple’s App Store commission
The three companies I mentioned above say Apple’s fees are too high, and developers are restricted in linking to their websites.
Apple was forced to update its rules in January, allowing developers to add a single link to their apps.
Apple still takes a commission for purchases made this way and requires developers to pay between 12 and 27 percent.
Epic Games claims that Apple’s practice makes the links “commercially unusable“.
Meta says Apple should be able to direct users to the web to pay for boosted posts to avoid the fee.
Microsoft complains that Apple’s rules limit its subscription and discount options.
X says Apple’s 27 percent fee removes incentives to include an external link.
The court will decide whether Apple’s rule change is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the original judgment.
I think it is unfair for Apple to charge a commission for apps and restrict developers’ freedom to link to websites. This allows Apple to create a monopoly in the App Store and make money by unfairly charging developers and users exorbitant fees. The court needs to make a fair assessment of this issue.
Featured image credit: James Yarema / Unsplash
