There’s fixed components to the cost as well as variable ones. Storage/CDN distribution is relatively fixed. I would say so is access to developer tools and APIs. What’s variable are services that an app may take advantage of, such as push notifications, geolocation queries, iCloud access, and App Store approvals. More established companies tend to release new versions on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
> What’s variable are services that an app may take advantage of, such as push notifications, geolocation queries, iCloud access, and App Store approvals.
Cool, so let competition roll out implementations of these services, and developers can decide on their own if its worth using Apple's services or their competitors.
Consumers will be able to reap the benefits of increased competition, as the free market delivers to them better, cheaper and more efficient solutions.
Because they're looking down the barrel of antitrust suits.
> Is it not morally important that they consent?
Is it morally important that they consent to following the law? No, it isn't. Antitrust laws are very clear, and if a company violates them, then they'll face penalties and prosecution.
I think my local warlords are trying to take something someone else made, because they want to feel big, and are happy leave destruction in their wake.
Developers will always choose the cheapest option. Someone will make a “free backup just watch this 30s ad” and people would use that instead of iCloud.
You fetishize competition. I want apple to be allowed to be anti competitive on their own platform. Just like I want to go to Disneyworld and not having to choose between competing companies’ versions of Space Mountain.
The rest of the world outside the walled garden is a competitive market. Once inside the walled garden, we have paid handsomely not to be competed for.
