Stratechery Tech Epochs and the App Store Trap
Sep 7, 2021
Dive into the economic journey of China under Xi Jinping, where market forces clash with authoritarian governance. Discover the complex ties between China's tech firms and state objectives, especially in light of U.S. sanctions. Uncover the revolutionary impact of the iPhone and the App Store, reshaping the economy over the last decade. Explore the tensions in digital markets as app store regulations evolve, affecting user trust. Finally, examine the productivity challenges faced by developers on the iPad and the need for a more open app ecosystem.
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Tech Epoch Interdependence
- The internet epoch was enabled by the PC epoch, as Google and Facebook relied on pre-existing PCs and internet connections.
- Similarly, mobile thrived due to the internet's foundation, as seen with the iPhone's integration of existing concepts.
App Store's Market Impact
- Apple's App Store significantly expanded the market for developers by creating a safe distribution model.
- This fostered consumer trust, leading to increased app usage compared to PCs.
Web's Openness and Innovation
- While the web's lack of control allows for low-quality content, it also fosters innovation that strict rules might stifle.
- Stratechery itself, along with subscription services and various web apps, wouldn't exist without the web's open nature.