[cas8]

It’s not entirely about the %. The problem is that there’s no alternative. I have no real problem with someone like Google with the Play Store or Valve with Steam giving developers the option of shipping on their platforms for a commission like 30%, because you don’t need the Play Store to install apps nor Steam to install video games. In those cases it can actually be a decision about whether or not the hosting/visibility/platform is _worth_ the cut. But in Apple’s case there is no decision to be made. You can’t opt out. That’s why you see so much more flak thrown at Apple for this commission than you do other platform providers.

[bdcravens]

The question I've asked others is if they open it up, then 30% is fair? It seems to me that is what you're suggesting.

[nanidin]

If they open it up, market forces (via competition) will determine what is fair. That equilibrium would probably be below 30% if serious competition occurs.

But yes, it would be fair for Apple to ask for 30% because others are free to offer the same service for less, and you as a consumer of that service have a choice between them - which will eventually force Apple to bring its commission down.

[Gigachad]

I think so. If apps could do their own payment processing and still decide to use the apple one, it means it was a fair deal. Rather than it being forced on them.

The problem is large companies bundle too much market power together. If you want to avoid paying App Store fees currently you have to pull off a Herculean effort no company in existence is capable of.