[spoonjim]

I have zero problems with the mobile phone ecosystem that I want regulation to solve. I don't want the government to force USB-C charging onto iPhones, I prefer Lightning. I don't mind paying higher prices for Apple subscriptions, it's worth it to me because they're dead simple to cancel. Let Apple does what it does, if they end up pissing me off I'll switch to Android. I don't want some idiot fucking politicians deciding what charging port an iPhone has.

[gigel82]

I can agree with you, as long as Apple allows app developers to clearly spell out that the cost is higher because of the Apple tax and that they have the choice to sign up online if they choose.

[spoonjim]

Yes, app developers should be able to say that (and to say “pay on our website”). The gag order on app developers is wrong and should be illegal.

[turtlebits]

It’s not a tax. It’s just margins. I’m sure any retailer would balk at having to list that.

It’s pretty well known that Costco margins are 10%. Do we call that a tax too?

[faeriechangling]

I don’t really see why something like the fees Apple is charging for Apple Pay should not fall under the purview of regulation. It’s a substantial rent imposed upon a huge fraction of commerce which will have an adverse effect on the affordability of goods.

It will result in payment processors passing on Apple’s fees to merchants. Payment processors already do not allow you to charge a higher fee to customers using a credit card normally, so merchants must pass on the cost of these fees to ALL customers regardless of payment method. This makes it of concern to more than Apple’s customers.

[gjsman-1000]

This is an important point. We might want USB-C on iPhones, we might want subscriptions to not have an "Apple Tax," but do we really want politicians to micromanage industry to such a level?

Personally, I can't help but think of Standard Oil. Plenty of value was made there, drove oil and kerosene prices way down... and they still got broken up.

[tick_tock_tick]

USB-C I don't have much a of view on but I absolutely think it's the role of government to address the "Apple tax". After safety the main purposes of regulation should be the elimination of rent seeking behavior and I can think of few better examples then Apple.