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. 

Good read, but this line stands out as the real takeaway:

And instead of just downloading an app when we need it, we will have to vigilant — and finally read those terms and conditions.

Anything that teaches, by hook or by crook, by reward or by cudgel, the "general populace" (waving hands around) to take their security into their own hands and balance petty wants against risk will only benefit them in the long term. Because guess what? Apple itself is only motivated by its desire to make money, as much of it as possible. 

Given how the App Store is packed full of scam apps, gatcha games, quickly-approved apps that are little more than rip offs of existing IP, and apps with privacy reports cards that don't actually match the data that the apps collect (not to mention Apple's strong-arming developers into adopting subscriptions again in order to feed its rapacious desire for recurring revenue), the blind trust placed in Apple to assume guardianship of our security, privacy, and the overall experience of acquiring applications is misplaced, as it is always misplaced when we abdicate our personal responsibility. 

Whether one central app store or dozens, assume none of them are looking out for your best interest. Because they're not.