What really makes it uncomfortable is that Apple isn't just a neutral marketplace. They control the OS, the distribution channel, and the payment rails, so creators and platforms like Patreon can't realistically opt out

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chii 5 hours ago | parent | next [-]

They could opt out - by sticking to web platforms.

Apple cannot charge for that. However, apple does attempt to gimp the web platforms on mobile to "subtly" push for apps.

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pornel 5 hours ago | parent | next [-]

The whole Epic vs Apple was about Apple blocking this. Before being slapped by regulators, Apple had anti-steering policies forbidding iOS apps from even mentioning that purchasing elsewhere is possible.

Even after EU DSA told them to allow purchases via Web, Apple literally demanded a 27% cut from purchases happening outside of App Store (and then a bunch of other arrogantly greedy fee structures that keeps them in courts).

Apple knows how hard is not to be in the duopoly of app stores. They keep web apps half-assed, won't direct users to them, but allow knock-off apps to use your trademarks in their search keywords.

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archerx 5 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

They do and it’s awful. I’m making a browser based game and it works great on desktop browsers but Apple refuses to allow css filters on canvas forcing you to build your own filters and apply them to image data. The web audio api is also a pain to get working properly on iOS safari and a bunch of other arbitrary but feels like they’re intentional obstacles found only on iOS. I’m almost considering just using webgl instead of a 2d context but who knows what obstacles apple is hiding there also it will make everything so much more verbose for no real gain.

Not even in the days of IE was I ever this frustrated.

	▲	nozzlegear 2 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		> Not even in the days of IE was I ever this frustrated. I've been web devving since the days of IE as well and this reeks of hyperbole. Maybe things are different for browser games, but for me, everything has vastly improved since those days.
	▲	danielvaughn 3 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		I tried something similar a couple years back, and fully agree. Safari is atrocious for trying to create a good mobile experience. It almost feels intentional.

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sidewndr46 5 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Why could Apple not charge a percentage for any user using their mobile device? Why would it be limited to app store?

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direwolf20 5 hours ago | parent [-]

Because they don't control those. Apple could choose to only allow users to access websites that pay them a bit 30% fee, but users would notice the web was turned off on their device. They don't notice when the app store does it.

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sidewndr46 3 hours ago | parent [-]

I don't think people would notice if Apple just made the website behind a paywall. Most people are not going to be aware that they can access the same content without paying a fee to Apple. They may only even have an Apple device to access the internet, so they'd just see it as normal

	▲	fauigerzigerk 8 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		I doubt it. People are pretty savvy when it's about getting something more cheaply or for free.

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randallsquared 5 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

While inconvenient and likely to reduce patrons, the article does describe how they can opt out: use the web to do any payment activity.

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gumby271 3 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Don't forget they also directly compete with Patreon with podcast subscriptions. You can support a podcast through Apple podcasts or Patreon, but only one of those has a 30% chunk taken out.

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patanegra 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Yeah, because they built it. If people were using Linux everywhere, the situation would be different.

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StopDisinfo910 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

That's pretty much the conclusion the EU came to and why they introduced the notion of gatekeepers in the DMA.

It doesn't matter if you are not technically in a dominant position if your special role in a large ecosystem basically allows you to act like one in your own purview.

You could say this kind of move invites more scrutiny but the regulators are already there watching every Apple's move with a microscope and their patience with Apple attempts at thwarting compliance is apparently wearing thin at least in the EU if you look at preliminary findings.