[pentae]

They have a monopoly on the hundreds of millions of people who have an iPhone, which are typically the wealthiest mobile consumers (Sorry Android guys). If I have a software service I need to deliver to my customers smartphone, and they happen to own an iPhone, then Apple has full control over how I can do business with them. All they have to do is allow sideloading of apps with big warnings as an option and they can run the app store however they want. Until then, it's bullshit.

[intopieces]

The idea that a company has a monopoly on its own customers seems tautological to me. Doesn’t that mean every retail store has a monopoly on their customers because you can’t walk in and sell your own goods without their permission?

[dann0]

That’s not what a monopoly is. It isn’t a misuse of market power to have a lot of customers.

It’s ok to not like Apple or any company that doesn’t match your values, but it’s important to argue using the right terms and definitions, otherwise you sell yourself and your argue short.

There are alternatives to offering an app for iOS. Web apps are an example. Releasing only for Android is also a valid choice.

I don’t like paying for using a toll road, but if I want the benefit of a nice road, and a shorter travel time, I have to pay. If these benefits aren’t worth the price, I can use an alternative.

[ckuhl]

Do you ever wonder if Apple attracts the wealthiest mobile consumers because of the controlled user experience they provide?