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It's difficult for an iPhone user to notice that apps they might want aren't available (unless they search the web and find references to an Android-only app th
by dane-pgp 5y ago
It's difficult for an iPhone user to notice that apps they might want aren't available (unless they search the web and find references to an Android-only app that does what they want), but, even more so, it's very expensive for users to buy a new Android phone just to use that one app.
Equally, when someone is considering buying a phone, they are unlikely to compare the lists of apps available for each platform when making their decision, just as car buyers don't look at the levels of tailpipe emissions when comparing possible cars. In such situations we accept that the government can intervene to prevent socially negative outcomes, even if it means increasing the costs (or decreasing the profit margins) for companies.
In any case, the problem isn't just the switching costs for users who discover their platform is limiting their app choices (or increasing their app charges), it's that companies trying to sell apps to users can't choose to simply "Don't use an iPhone", as Apple is preventing commerce between iPhone users and those companies, which is again not socially beneficial.
- ericmay 5y agoSimilar logic can be applied when comparing app stores. Users aren't going to compare Company XYZ app store with Apple's app store line-by-line to see how they're missing out on having their data hoovered up for ads or other purposes. App Stores have high switching costs too. Apps won't be available on different stores, that would defeat the entire purpose of having the third-party store for the company wanting to escape Apple's rules.
- arunkant 5y agoWhat if, and hear me out, what if there was a technology which allows two or more App stores side-by-side as to minimize the undue burden to switch between them. If only we were so advanced in technology. If only...
- ericmay 5y agoWhy stop at two? Why not five? - You can download Facebook and WhatsApp from the Meta Store - You can get Google software from the Google Store, except Gmail and Maps which are available in the Apple App Store too, but YouTube is a Google Store exclusive. Or and Authenticator is only available on the Google App Store with a valid company login. So you'll have to switch accounts depending on if you are logging in as a user for yourself or your company. - You can get Netflix from the App Store, Google Store, or Facebook store but each requires that you log in to the respective store with an account before logging in to your Netflix account and the pricing is different depending on the cut each of the stores takes. Google is interested in finding what Netflix shows you are watching so they can adjust your YouTube algorithms. - You can download Twitter from the Apple App Store and Google, but not Facebook. And you can download the MLB App if you have a Prime subscription because of a new partnership, but only if you have the Amazon Prime App. Can't wait!