Faced with a barrage of research and investigation into the App Store and the distribution of apps on its devices, Apple has told the Australian consumer watchdog that developers have “multiple” ways to reach users. ‘IOS and states that they are “far from limited” to simply using the “App Store”.
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In a new presentation (via ZDnet) Responding to the concerns of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that it exploits “the supposed market power in its role as an application reseller,” Apple highlights several avenues that developers can take to reach customers.
Specifically, Apple notes that the “complete web” exists as an alternative means of distribution, arguing that the web has become a platform in itself. Apple supports this claim by noting that iOS devices have “unrestricted and uncontrolled” access to the web, allowing users to download web apps.
Even if a user only owns iOS-based devices, distribution is far from limited to Apple’s “app store” because developers have multiple alternative channels to reach that user. The entire web is available to them and iOS devices have unrestricted and uncontrolled access to it. A common approach is for users to purchase and consume digital services or content on a website.
Web browsers are used not only as a distribution portal, but also as their own platforms, which host “progressive web applications” (PWA) that eliminate the need to download a developer’s application through the App Store (or other means). PWAs are increasingly available for browsers and mobile-based devices, including iOS.
Apple says alternative distribution methods, such as web apps and developer websites, pose a competitive threat to the “app store.” Apple continues to discuss other platforms, such as the Google Play Store, and notes that it fights “vigorously” to attract developers to make apps for its platform instead of others.
As explained below, Apple faces competitive constraints arising from distribution alternatives within the iOS ecosystem (including developer websites and other outlets through which consumers can obtain third-party applications). and use them on your iOS devices) and outside of iOS.
In fact, Apple competes vigorously to attract the best developers, as a reduction in app quality or restricted availability of popular apps in the “app store” would diminish the user experience. Any action that undermines the popularity of the App Store, including the possibility of preventing developers from succeeding in the App Store, would be economically irrational, as it would destroy the value of the ecosystem to the detriment of consumers, application developers and Apple itself.
Apple’s new comments are unlikely to fit well with some developers, especially Epic Games, which is pursuing a massive legal battle against Apple for being an alleged monopoly. Some developers claim that Apple maintains a dominant position in its devices because of the “App Store” and that it exploits its power to limit innovation and competition.
Just this week, in a separate file with the ACCC, Apple said it was “surprised” to learn that some developers have concerns about the review process and guidelines that apps must follow before appearing in the “store” of applications “. The ACCC launched its investigation into the “App Store” last year and is expected to release an interim report on March 31st.
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