[chii]

exactly - this, rather than the %-cut that apple takes, is my real concern.

I do not like that apple can dictate what app i get to run on my iphone. It's not that i want to abolish the app store - for non-technical users, the appstore is fine as it is.

But there should be an option to side-load an app. There should be an option to hook into a separate store like how android has f-droid. The store-front can compete on features, rather than by apple's decree.

The 15%-cut in app-royalties apple takes is a red-herring. It gives apple an "out" when discussing this issue. It prevents further conversation of opening up the device for competing app-stores.