Apple creates 'App Store Principles and Practices' page to counter monopoly accusations

Nieuws Mobiel Wereld 30 MAY 2019
Apple creates 'App Store Principles and Practices' page to counter monopoly accusations
Apple has published a new page on its website entitled ‘App Store: Principles and Practices’ in which it insists that the iOS software platform is both a “great business opportunity” for app developers and a “safe and trusted place” for consumers. “We’re proud of the store we’ve built and the way we’ve built it,” says Apple, adding that it has paid out some USD 120 billion to App Store developers worldwide since the platform launched while creating over 1.5 million US jobs and over 1.57 million European jobs. 

It said around 60 percent of the 100,000 or so apps and app updates reviewed each week are approved and that anyone who believes they were unfairly rejected can appeal to the App Store Review Board. It also points to the existence of App Store Review Guidelines, which explain the steps taken to ensure questionable apps are rejected. “We strongly support all points of view being represented on the App Store. But we also take steps to make sure apps are respectful to users with differing opinions, and reject apps for any content or behaviour that we believe is over the line,” said Apple.

Specialist websites including Apple Insider suggested the appearance of the page at this time is likely a response to monopoly accusations, following the US Supreme Court's vote on 13 May to allow an antitrust lawsuit to move forward alleging that Apple's monopoly has led to artificially inflated app prices due to the App Store being the only sanctioned place for iOS downloads. On 23 May another class action lawsuit was launched on the grounds that Apple's typical 30 percent transaction fee would be lower if competing app stores were allowed to sell iOS apps.

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