[fhdsgbbcaA]

On the flip side, Vision Pro has no apps and it may not be the biggest reason for its failure, but it’s a contributor that I don’t see changing.

Apple’s main source of innovation is applying mafia tactics to software distribution.

[musicale]

> Apple’s main source of innovation is applying mafia tactics to software distribution.

Main source of innovation? What about the Mac, iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple watch, AirPods and M1 MacBook Air, all of which transformed their product categories? Not just because of the hardware, but also because of the hardware-software integration.

Even Apple's failed innovations (Apple Vision, etc.) are interesting products that push the envelope.

[hnlmorg]

I don’t think you’re reading the GPs point very charitably. They’re clearly talking about recent innovations that generate revenue.

Also I think you’re overreacting with some of your examples there. You seem to be conflating “successful” with “innovative”. The two terms aren’t mutually inclusive.

[simonh]

Yes, but Apple has always been ahead on technology compared to everyone else, so that doesn’t count anymore. Or something.

[brookst]

As a software developer who made good money reaching hundreds of thousands of people through the app store where the old “put up a website and buy advertising” model might have netted me single-digit thousands of sales, I am always surprised at the white knights telling me I got no value from paying 30% of revenue.

If the app store is “mafia tactics”, I can’t even imagine how demonic things like wholesalers mist be.

[chongli]

The issue with the App Store model is that it's just another platform to market yourself on. In your case, you benefitted from a first-mover (or early-mover) advantage and did well. Over time the App Store becomes more and more saturated with apps and so the value to developers goes down. This is no different from the web! It's merely offset by a few decades.

If you had put up your website back in the early 90's and were judicious about advertising back then, you might've been a Fortune 500 company (depending on your business niche, of course)!

[moooo99]

> I am always surprised at the white knights telling me I got no value from paying 30% of revenue.

Wether or not the 30% is proportional to the value you get by being on the App Store depends on your situation. That is why choice is a great thing.