"Those who operate in the digital world accessed by the iPhone have no choice but to operate by Apple's rules-or do they? Objections that Apple has overstepped fair play in the app economy resulted in pushbacks, including one of the biggest antitrust battles of the last century. The highlight reel of this great corporate drama features fascinating fights between Apple and its rivals, including Spotify and Epic Games."
"Almost 20 years ago, Apple followed up the iPhone with the App Store-a new way for software developers to sell their offerings to smartphone users. Instead of going to a physical store, software could be acquired through the internet. It was basically free for developers, unless they charged users. If so, then Apple would take as much as 30 percent."
Apple created the App Store as a centralized marketplace enabling software distribution to iPhone users and instituted a commission, taking up to 30 percent on paid digital goods. The commission differentiated digital goods consumed on devices from physical goods bought through apps. Early App Store rules focused on eliminating scams and explicit content while Apple invested heavily in policing the platform to protect users, a priority of Steve Jobs. As the App Economy matured, major players like Facebook, Spotify, and Epic Games adapted or rebuilt their businesses for mobile, confronting Apple's policies. Disputes over fair play and commissions produced significant pushback and major antitrust confrontations.
Read at Fast Company
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