Can someone better explain how Apple's app store model is legal/what led to this situation? When Microsoft first invented the Windows OS, did they get to charge 30% to everyone that built a software program that worked on Windows? (for all I know they did/do.. I'm just wondering how this ended up the way things are).<p>Apple has a monopoly over any content provider that is marketing to someone that uses an Apple device. You would think that they'd have to allow other marketplaces (app stores) to exist on their devices, same as Windows had to allow other web browers, accounting programs, etc.<p>Thanks for any info
Dan
I presume you are talking about the iPhone app store.<p>Apple did it because they can. For their money vendors get development tools, marketing and distribution assistance plus, of course, access to the marketplace.<p>Its the same with supermarkets or big stores. Want them to sell your stuff? By and large you have to do it on their terms.
Because no-one's challenged it in court.<p>Historical precedents have been mixed. Games consoles have been allowed to retain exclusivity for software but not hardware (controllers, etc.). Printers haven't been allowed to reject third party refills.<p>The only way for there to be a clear judgement would be a trial.
"monopoly over apple devices" doesn't equal illegal monopoly.<p>So, I don't think there's a legal issue at all, especially since Android exists and is doing well.