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The parent comment makes no mention of any terms beyond the 30%. I agree that there seem to be some questionable terms (especially involving the most favored n

The parent comment makes no mention of any terms beyond the 30%. I agree that there seem to be some questionable terms (especially involving the most favored nation clause) but the 30% fee itself is simply not highway robbery. There are two roads to your customer on an iPhone. One is nicely paved with trees planted and maintained for maximum appearance, and if you take this road you're charged 30%. The other road is a path in the forest where maybe you need to chop down some trees as you go, but there is no 30% fee. There are no robbers in any of these options, one just happens to include a toll booth and you can decide if the nice view and comfortable ride is worth paying the toll.

jokermatt999 16y ago
But Apple made the other path illegal, so as it stands, you have to give the bandits your money. Personally, I just hope people realize the kingdom of Android has a much nicer path. Sure, some parts aren't as nice as iOS, and the locals tend to do less business, but there are no bandits, and no gate keeping you out if the king suddenly decides he doesn't like what you're selling.
- deleted 16y ago
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- alanfalcon 16y ago
  Apple has not changed your ability to create a web app. I don't think you understood the analogy.
SoftwareMaven 16y ago
There are places I think the 30% is completely reasonable. As another comment here mentions, trying to do $1 transactions using Paypal or a merchant account would be insane. Taking a 30% cut on applications, where they are not just processing money, but also providing distribution and other infrastructure is fine. My complaint is taking a flat 30% of all subscriptions and digital purchases where their only value-add is as a credit card processor. As I said originally, I think Google's 10% is also steep for this same feature, but, as others pointed out, you aren't required to use theirs, so if you find a better deal, good for you. Also, Google's 10% won't cause my iPhone subscriptions to go up by 10%, but Apple's 30% may cause my Android subscriptions to go up 30%. This is still hypothetical, and it is a hard problem to solve. On the one hand, you have Netflix that has a huge infrastructure and large supplier costs who is already set up to do very well at $15/month. On the other hand, you have Po Dunk Developer who wants to add $0.99 subscriptions to his app. 30% on the former is too much; 30% on the latter is reasonable. How do you reconcile? Most businesses would provide a way for Netflix to enter a formal agreement that pays some amount up front, then lowers the percentage. I have to wonder if Apple will go that path (or something similar) as well. I hope so.

jokermatt999 16y ago

But Apple made the other path illegal, so as it stands, you have to give the bandits your money. Personally, I just hope people realize the kingdom of Android has a much nicer path. Sure, some parts aren't as nice as iOS, and the locals tend to do less business, but there are no bandits, and no gate keeping you out if the king suddenly decides he doesn't like what you're selling.

deleted 16y ago
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alanfalcon 16y ago
Apple has not changed your ability to create a web app. I don't think you understood the analogy.

SoftwareMaven 16y ago

There are places I think the 30% is completely reasonable. As another comment here mentions, trying to do $1 transactions using Paypal or a merchant account would be insane. Taking a 30% cut on applications, where they are not just processing money, but also providing distribution and other infrastructure is fine. My complaint is taking a flat 30% of all subscriptions and digital purchases where their only value-add is as a credit card processor. As I said originally, I think Google's 10% is also steep for this same feature, but, as others pointed out, you aren't required to use theirs, so if you find a better deal, good for you. Also, Google's 10% won't cause my iPhone subscriptions to go up by 10%, but Apple's 30% may cause my Android subscriptions to go up 30%. This is still hypothetical, and it is a hard problem to solve. On the one hand, you have Netflix that has a huge infrastructure and large supplier costs who is already set up to do very well at $15/month. On the other hand, you have Po Dunk Developer who wants to add $0.99 subscriptions to his app. 30% on the former is too much; 30% on the latter is reasonable. How do you reconcile? Most businesses would provide a way for Netflix to enter a formal agreement that pays some amount up front, then lowers the percentage. I have to wonder if Apple will go that path (or something similar) as well. I hope so.