I've thought about this too. Here's how my (admittedly half-baked) idea might work: 1. All apps are reviewed and hosted by Apple. 2. Third party app stores ac

I've thought about this too. Here's how my (admittedly half-baked) idea might work: 1. All apps are reviewed and hosted by Apple. 2. Third party app stores act as a layer on top. They pay a commission to Apple on sales (lets say 5-8%) to cover their review and hosting costs plus provide some profit. 3. The app stores set (and compete with) their own prices and services on top of that. 4. Apple maintains its own App store as well. Here are the key bits: A. Apple must review Apps for security and privacy issues. They can choose not to sell it in their store if they find it morally objectionable but they cannot restrict other App stores in what they sell (assuming its legal, and passes security/privacy checks). B. Third party stores can sell whatever they want from the list of apps having been security reviewed by Apple. You'd end up with some cool niche app stores (imagine one with impartial game reviews, or one that only lists non-subscription apps, or one that serves [insert your favorite niche here]). Benefits: 1. For users who like Apple's current model, nothing changes. However, they benefit from increased competition and (likely) better pricing. 2. Apple cannot block apps from being available in third party stores just because it doesn't like them, but it doesn't have to sell apps on its own store that it doesn't want to. Win/win. Unanswered questions: 1. Who will handle refunds/complaints/etc? A: I'm not sure, I'd have to give that more thought. 2. How would the fees work exactly? A: Again, I'm not sure... it might require a fee per app review instead of the current model. (Otherwise Apple would be flooded with Apps to review that have no intention of appearing on Apple's store). In summary: The security threat model is unchanged, users enjoy better selection of Apps and better pricing (and other innovative features) from stores. Yes, it's a half baked idea but there could be the basis for a really good compromise in this sort of arrangement. One that ultimately benefits consumers first.