Bad Apple + The Rise of the AI Empire + Italian Brain Rot
May 9, 2025
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Karen Hao, a reporter covering OpenAI and author of "Empire of AI," brings her insights into the ethics of AI development. She argues that the benefits of OpenAI's tools come at significant moral costs and draws alarming parallels with historical exploitation. The conversation also shifts to the bizarre world of 'Italian brain rot' on TikTok, highlighting how absurdity and humor intersect with AI-generated content, reshaping modern media consumption. Expect a mix of serious debate and lighthearted fun!
A recent court ruling compels Apple to stop enforcing its high commission rates on app sales, benefiting developers and consumers alike.
Karen Hao discusses the moral implications of OpenAI's tools, arguing that their societal costs may surpass their benefits.
The podcast introduces A.I. slop on TikTok, highlighting its unexpected popularity and the evolving landscape of content consumption.
Deep dives
Apple's App Store Ruling
A recent court ruling has significantly impacted Apple's control over its App Store, forcing the company to change its policies that have traditionally favored its revenue model. The court's decision emerged from a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, which argued that Apple's high commission rates and restrictive practices hindered competition. As a result of the ruling, users will be able to access direct payment links within apps, avoiding excessive fees that sometimes reach up to 30%. This shift is expected to benefit developers and consumers alike by fostering a more competitive environment in the app marketplace.
The 'Apple Tax' Explained
The term 'Apple tax' refers to the hefty commission that developers must pay Apple when selling apps or in-app purchases through its App Store. Many developers, including Amazon for its Kindle app, have faced challenges due to this commission structure, which often leads to lost sales opportunities. Apple's previous restrictions disallowed developers from directing users to cheaper options available outside its ecosystem, compelling them to navigate complicated workarounds. The recent ruling aims to alter this dynamic, enabling developers to promote more cost-effective suggestions to their users.
Judge's Strong Critique of Apple
The judge's ruling included strong language against Apple, accusing the company of intentionally flouting court orders and demonstrating 'malicious compliance' in its attempts to maintain revenue streams. Evidence was presented indicating that Apple executives might have lied under oath, which led the court to recommend potential criminal charges for perjury. The judge conveyed severe dissatisfaction with Apple's tactics, which included discouraging users from seeking external purchasing options through misleading notifications. This ruling exemplifies the judiciary's growing scrutiny over dominant tech companies and their practices.
Implications for App Developers
The ruling has immediate implications for developers, allowing them to implement direct payment links in their apps which can enhance their profitability. Major platforms like Kindle and Spotify are already reacting positively, planning to integrate these new payment methods to offer users the ability to circumvent Apple's fees. Despite some remaining restrictions, this change represents a significant step toward empowering developers to communicate directly with their users about potential savings. It signals a movement away from extreme controls that have characterized Apple's marketplace governance for years.
Shifting Power in App Development
The judgment represents a critical shift in power dynamics between Apple and app developers, pushing towards a more equitable relationship in the App Store ecosystem. Apple has traditionally acted as a gatekeeper, imposing strict regulations that often led to developer frustrations. However, with the ruling enforcing more openness, developers might now better capitalize on their innovations and revenues without being penalized by hefty platform fees. As this major change unfolds, its long-term effects on both Apple and the broader app ecosystem remain to be seen.
This week, iPhone users started to feel the impact of a stern court order against Apple that requires the company to stop collecting a commission on some app sales. We break down what this means for apps like Kindle and Spotify and why the judge suggested that Apple and a top executive should be investigated for criminal contempt. Then, Karen Hao joins us to discuss her new book about OpenAI and explain why she believes the benefits of using the company’s tools do not outweigh the moral costs. And finally, Casey introduces Kevin to a strange new universe of A.I. slop that’s racking up millions of likes on TikTok.
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