The Vergecast How Apple lost control of the App Store
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May 2, 2025 
Jake Kastrenakes, Senior Reporter at The Verge, dives into the explosive antitrust issues surrounding Apple's control of the App Store. He discusses a recent court ruling that challenges Apple's payment models, raising questions about the future of app transactions. The conversation also touches on the legal battles facing Google and Meta, emphasizing shifting dynamics in the tech landscape. With a sprinkle of humor about party speakers and commentary on WorldCoin's identity verification tech, this chat is a captivating blend of legal drama and industry insight.
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Apple's Malicious Compliance Revealed
- Apple's long-standing strategy to retain App Store revenue led to intentional non-compliance with court rulings.
- The company repeatedly chose options that maintained high commissions at developers' expense, fueling judicial frustration.
Court Liberates Developer Payment Links
- The court ruled Apple cannot restrict developers from using styled buttons or links for purchases outside apps.
- This unprecedented freedom means developers can now drive users to cheaper, alternative payment methods unrestricted.
Developers Ready to Challenge Apple
- Developers will soon push updates featuring aggressive alternative payment options outside the App Store.
- This competition could reduce Apple's commission revenue and transform user purchase experience dramatically.