This is definitely a contributing factor, but apple are also known for aggressively culling apps which are too basic or too numerous. (E.g. flashlight apps) The

This is definitely a contributing factor, but apple are also known for aggressively culling apps which are too basic or too numerous. (E.g. flashlight apps) The quality of the apps available are infinitely more important than how many apps are available. The exclusivity of iApps on the mac was one of the most important factors in the resurrection of the mac platform. That said it's in the consumers interest to discontinue apps which the vendor is no longer supporting, aka abandonware. The annual subscription fee is a nominal cost to professionals (and a tax deduction) and clearly not an apple revenue strategy. Overall: The advice given is to developers who wish to get out of the app store/ publishing business is to sell or license the rights to their mobile app, creating a win/win situation for both the parting developer and the consumer.