neoncat

The purpose of this statement wasn't to suggest winners or losers, just speculation on how much impact the move will have. That 50% still use IAP is a sign that Apple has a chance to make the courts happy and still make money

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I just meant that we already have some data (however limited) that shows,interestingly, it's not as simple as everyone prefers Apple's system or everyone can't wait to be free of it. The choice seems to be giving people options that meet their individual needs and in the end that's s net-win. I'd rather Apple pivot to selling and promoting the benefits of its system (compete on merit) than working so hard and spending so much goodwill and PR trying to keep it locked down.

AppleInsider said:

Apple's services revenue could take a hit, but it remains to be seen how many users will actually take advantage of the external links when in-app purchase is still an option. Customers could become confused by being pulled out of an app or game and suddenly asked to fill out a payment form.

It's not that big of a mystery, at least in the case of Fortnite. Sweeney indicated the split of purchases since its return to the App Store is about 60/40, in favor of Apple's in-app payment system, although it continues to trend toward 50/50. Seems some people like having a choice, and some people like sticking with what they know. Everyone wins? 

Putting this in the same PR spin pile as Qualcomm's modem "study."

The more Apple twists and turns and tries to control the narrative about their stupid little App Stores, the less inclined I am to care. The war is already lost, they just won't admit it. The sooner they pivot to thinking about how to take advantage of what comes after the feudal rent seeking, the sooner we all benefit. Because it's just a matter of when it will be torn down, not if.

Or, they can keep insisting on how piously right they are, and end up giving the entire farm away like the did with both the eBook trial and the earlier Look-and-Feel lawsuits. Learn from your crushing mistakes, Apple. 

Cesar Battistini Maziero said:

It’s a sad day for freedom. 

omg the performative Apple sycophant drama surrounding this whole saga is easily the most insufferable part, even more than either of the Tim’s posturing. 

mike1 said:

I'm sure they will get flack for it, but I hope there will be a way in settings to prohibit the download of anything that isn't from the app store.

I am foreseeing the nightmare ahead when my click-happy mom starts accidentally/unwittingly downloading stuff from all the ads in her games and e-mail etc.

This is a scammer's dream.

I hope people can find the time while clutching all those pearls to realize that this is a problem almost entirely of Apple's own creation. By discarding the value of the safety of their platform to chase every possible cent of revenue, they willingly dismissed concerns like yours. There were measures Apple could have taken to protect the walled garden for all its benefits. They chose not to because those choices would've represented giving up the chance to squeeze every last dime out of the construct.

Now, no one wins: App Store revenue will decline, and safety will be compromised. It's classic Apple—die on every hill, convinced to the end they are right, and at the end having nothing at all to show for it. Blinded by arrogance, avarice, and greed.