Apple's cut is 15% for all developers making up to $1m/year.
And if you think the App Store is a burden you should try implementing customer acquisition and go-to market strategies which is what the store gives you for free.
If you think putting an app in the store is all you need to do to market your software then you are in for a shock. You would be better off taking your investment to the local casino.
> you should try implementing customer acquisition and go-to market strategies
I'd try but Apple doesn't let its customers willingly install my app from me or any other open-source repository they might choose.
If the only option is the App Store, it's not very surprising that the App Store is good for customer acquisition. You literally cannot acquire them any other way, you are artificially prevented by Apple's anti-competitive measures.
That's a little bit of an exaggerated / intentionally misconstrue-able way to say the truth, isn't it?
They approve apps to be sold/distributed on their platform based on rules about what those apps do or are allowed to do, and whether they comply with local laws.
You're leaning towards making it sound like they decide what messaging apps you're allowed to use based on what you plan to say (content wise) on them.
Then there's the App Store being both a point of control, a burden on developers, and highway robbery with Apple's 30% cut.