[stonecraftwolf]

Of note is the claim that Apple deliberately sabotaged his app as a negotiation tactic for the purposes of acquisition.

IANAL, but this seems bad. Even if it’s legally permissible, it’s the sort of outrage that’s both easily understood by non-technical people and hits a kind primal reflexive outrage against unfairness.

In addition, I’ve heard of this with other FAANG companies (notably Amazon). They’d likely all be vulnerable to these arguments. Proving such abuses of power might prove more difficult, though.

[RileyJames]

I feel it’s also important to remember that while apple is a monopolistic entity of great power, with billions at its disposal, it is also made up of many smaller teams, comprising of individuals who act politically, often in their own interests, to curry favour.

Loyalty, trading favours, gaining intel, earning a promotion, because I like them. Pick a reason. It doesn’t have to have much, or anything, to do with Apples strategy, or legal position. And it certainly has nothing to do with the cost of an acquisition, and the billions they have in the bank. Those details are irrelevant to the individuals involved.

It doesn’t have to be a grand conspiracy, it can be much simpler than that.

This sounds more like, “what can the xxx team do to help”, or “Jimmy from the review team said he’d throw one our way, say no more ;)”

Hallway talk and face to face meetings. Put it in an email, and it’s dangerous, only a fool would do so, and they all know that..

I have no evidence either way. Not claiming I’m right.

[stonecraftwolf]

Yeah I think this is how things often happen. Just people being people, and using the tools available to them to get what they want. It’s the monopoly power behind it that makes it so damaging.

[amznthrwaway]

He didn’t present any evidence of his conspiracy theory though.

I would be willing to bet actual money that his imagined conspiracy theory didn’t exist, and that two things happened simultaneously, but without relation: scam apps existed, and Apple tried to buy him.

The notion that Apple would engage in widespread conspiracy to save a million bucks strikes me as bizarre.

[stonecraftwolf]

Did you read the article? The claim is that Apple delayed and denied app approval while trying to acquire the app, while approving the scam apps and approving other apps that incorporated his tech.

ETA: I find the dismissive reference to “conspiracy theories” to be a little weird. It’s not as though there isn’t a rich history of abuse of monopoly power, including restricting access to market. It’s unclear why FAANG companies would be uniquely immune to such temptations.