[oltremarino]

I don't really understand why Apple is allowed to have the amount of power it has today: it provides the hardware, the operating system, the software store (which they make sure is the only way to get software for most users), _and_ gets to decide whether any particular piece of software is allowed on the store? Surely there needs to be some separation of powers? e.g. a third party (could be set up by the government or in some other ways) will review the apps and Apple only maintains the software store without having much power over the contents in the store.

It was understandable at the time when everything was uncharted territory so Apple got to do whatever it wanted, but now that smart phones are so tightly integrated into the lives of many people, it seems Apple shouldn't be allowed to hold on to all those power. Is anything being done in that direction that might become effective?

[xuki]

Because the gov should not control what a private business could do unless it's against the laws? The debate is whether Apple is a monopoly, until we conclude that Apple should be able to run their store as they see fit. Personally I would say Apple is not a monopoly, but Apple + Google is a duopoly and maybe gov should do something about BOTH of them.

[true_religion]

People are saying that what Apple is doing should be against the law.

When talking about ethics and regulation, it’s not enough to simply say the status quo should be preserved.

[xuki]

I'm simply replying to GP's point about the legality of Apple's action. Until a court found Apple's action is against the laws, or new laws are written to make it so, Apple is free to operate the store as is. Tim Cook talks a lot about ethics and whatnot but Apple's profit (and share price) always come first.

[DanBC]

> Until a court found Apple's action is against the laws, or new laws are written to make it so, Apple is free to operate the store as is.

"How far can we go before we get fined?" is ethically dubious and isn't behaviour that should be rewarded.

[xuki]

I do agree and I want the App Store to change, I personally have been rejected many times for random reasons by Apple. But we must be pragmatic and realize users don't care, and as long as Apple can sell iPhone and services to users, they won't change.

[perryizgr8]

> Is anything being done in that direction that might become effective?

Stop buying iphones and macs.

[reportgunner]

So much this.

Apple customers are funding this behavior.

[Razengan]

Because other companies are worse and do all sorts of other shit.

[reportgunner]

Yes they pay Apple for reinforcing this notion too.