Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store (theverge.com)

Article summary

Apple has removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic Games implemented its own in-app payment system, bypassing Apple's standard 30% fee. This decision has escalated the feud between Epic and Apple, with Epic filing an antitrust lawsuit and releasing a protest video. The move also affects Android users, as Google has removed Fortnite from the Play Store for similar reasons. Existing iOS users can still access the game, but new downloads are disabled.

Main themes

• App Store fees
• Epic Games vs Apple
• Antitrust lawsuit
• Mobile ecosystem control
• Open standards
• Monopolistic practices
• Developer freedom
• Consumer choice

What commenters say

• The App Store's 30% cut is seen as excessive and unfair by some, while others argue it's a price to pay for access to Apple's customer base.
• Some commenters believe that Apple's control over its ecosystem is too restrictive and that sideloading apps should be allowed.
• Others argue that if developers don't like Apple's rules, they should switch to Android or build their own open-standard platform.
• The comparison is made to other industries, such as the automotive sector, where manufacturers don't control aftermarket modifications.
• Some think that Apple's behavior is acceptable because it's a private company, while others see it as a monopolistic practice that needs to be regulated.
• The idea of a closed web, where providers control and take a cut of revenues, is seen as a potential danger if companies like Apple and Google continue to dominate the market.
• There are differing opinions on whether ICANN or Apple is more trustworthy, with some arguing that ICANN is a government-supported monopoly.
• The notion that consumers and developers should either accept Apple's terms or build their own open-standard alternatives is debated.