Numerous large developers have joined to create the “Coalition for App Fairness” a non-profit group created to coordinate efforts to battle Apple over its App Store policies. Founding members include Epic Games, Spotify, Tile, and others. Many of the founders are currently involved in high-profile legal battles with Apple.
The coalition accuses the Cupertino company of ‘taxing consumers’ and ‘crushing innovation.’
Every day, Apple taxes consumers and crushes innovation. The Coalition for App Fairness is an independent nonprofit organization founded by industry-leading companies to advocate for freedom of choice and fair competition across the app ecosystem.
Founding members include:
- Basecamp
- Blix
- Blockchain
- Deezer
- Epic Games
- European Publishers Council
- Match
- News Media Europe
- Prepear
- ProtonMail
- SkyDemon
- Spotify
- Tile
The group claims Apple makes $15B per year from app commissions and compares the 30% cut of the action Apple receives with the maximum 5% cut taken by payment processors. (However, it should be pointed out that Apple does more than just process payments, it also hosts apps, markets the apps, and delivers the apps to the customers.
The group is inviting developers of all sizes to join. The requirement for membership is to have at least one app in the App Store.
It says it was established to battle Apple over three issues: anti-competitive policies, Apple’s 30% commission, and no alternative app source for consumers.
Carefully Crafted Anti-Competitive Policies. Apple uses its control of the iOS operating system to favor itself by controlling the products and features that are available to consumers. The company requires equipment manufacturers to limit options, forces developers tO sell through its App Store, and even steals ideas from competitors.
30% “App Tax” on Creators & Consumers. For most purchases made within the App Store, Apple takes 30% of the purchase price. No other transaction fee -in any industry comes close. This app tax cuts deeply into consumer purchasing power and developer revenue. This app tax is especially unfair when it is imposed on apps that compete directly with those sold by Apple, driving up their prices and putting them at a distinct competitive advantage.
No Consumer Freedom. If consumers want to use a modern mobile device, Apple levies a tax that no one can avoid. No competition, no options, no recourse. The Apple App Store policies are prisons that consumers are required to pay for and that developers cannot escape.
The coalition also offers up 10 principles that it believes should apply to any app store.
(Via 9to5Mac)
