Under the Radar 318: The Forgotten Customer
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May 8, 2025 The hosts dive into a landmark court ruling forcing Apple to allow external payment methods in U.S. apps. They discuss the strained relationship between Apple and developers, highlighting the need for collaboration over exploitation. The conversation shifts to the regulatory challenges Apple faces and its focus on profit versus innovation. Developers share their struggles with in-app purchase fees and advocate for recognizing them as valued customers. There's a sense of optimism for a more equitable future where developers can thrive alongside tech giants.
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Pivotal Injunction Change
- The injunction requiring Apple to allow third-party payment methods in U.S. app store apps is a pivotal moment.
- It represents a significant forced change in Apple's long-standing payment system policies.
Apple's Developer Relations Flaw
- Apple does not truly view developers as customers despite the large fees they pay.
- This leads to a toxic relationship where Apple fights developers rather than serving them mutually.
Short-Term Gains Harm Ecosystem
- Apple's top leadership prioritizes maximizing fees from developers over long-term platform health.
- This approach risks alienating developers, reducing ecosystem vitality, and causing platform stagnation.