Of course it is. They've weaponised it to their advantage. The actual solution to getting their app approved is obvious. But they've decided there's a greater gain in PR by 'taking Apple on'.
> The actual solution to getting their app approved is obvious.
It's not obvious to me. Mind elaborating on what the obvious solution is? Giving up 30% of your revenue on what's likely to be your largest platform when your competitors don't have to isn't obvious, so there must be another option I'm missing.
Yes, the obvious solution is to implement IAP. This is what Apple says they need to do. That said, they don't have to give up 30% of their revenue, they could make it more expensive to sign up via IAP if they wanted to offset the loss. Not great for the consumer, but at least it would work.
No you cannot do this. Apple does not allow you to put a higher price on iOS than other places. Also the issue is Apple's inconsistency. Netflix and Spotify do the exact same thing HEY is trying to do but Apple has done nothing for them because of this bullshit distinction between consumer and business apps??? Why do consumers apps not need IAP but business apps do?
What they're doing is exactly what mafias do. Look for the weak, force them to need your help or else, then extract as much money as you can.
I love Apple and all their products but this services growth strategy is putting a bad taste in a bunch of people's mouths.
It's not obvious to me. Mind elaborating on what the obvious solution is? Giving up 30% of your revenue on what's likely to be your largest platform when your competitors don't have to isn't obvious, so there must be another option I'm missing.