I don't think small developers would be as successful on the app store had there been a record label equivalent in place. The app industry was virtually created

I don't think small developers would be as successful on the app store had there been a record label equivalent in place. The app industry was virtually created with the app store. By the time iTunes came around, however, the music industry had already been operating in its current form for ~50 years. If there was a Warner Music of app development, their products would muscle out indie developers just as record music does for indie music.