New Rules of Apple’s App Store Criticized by Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation’s Vice President, Sarah Bond, criticized the new rules of Apple Inc.’s App Store for the European Union on Monday, calling them a “step in the wrong direction.” Her criticism echoed the sentiments expressed by the CEO of Spotify Technology, Daniel Ek, and CEO of Epic Games, Tim Sweeney.
Bond highlighted flaws in Apple’s new policy, urging the company to consider the opinions of other stakeholders and adopt a more inclusive approach. She stated, “Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction.”
Under the new rules, Apple introduced a “Basic Technology Fee” for apps that want to use alternative app stores within the European Union. Developers utilizing these platforms will have to pay a fee of 0.50 euros per annual app installation after surpassing one million downloads. Apple will also retain a 17% commission from developers who choose third-party payment processors.
Previously, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer hailed the European Digital Markets Act as a “great opportunity” for the company. However, Sarah Bond’s response to Apple’s policy changes could pose a challenge to the prospects of introducing Xbox Cloud Gaming apps on iOS, as reported by The Verge.
Last week, Apple allowed gaming services in the cloud on its App Store. In a blog post, the company announced that “developers can now submit a single app that enables streaming of all games offered in their catalog.”
The European Commission’s reaction to Apple’s changes will occur when the new regulations come into effect in March.
The previous App Store changes have been criticized by Sweeney, who referred to them as “hot garbage.” Sweeney also described Apple’s attempt to circumvent the European Digital Markets Act as a cunning form of “Malicious Compliance.”
CEO of Spotify also shares a similar stance, accusing Apple of “extorting” money by introducing the new fee in the App Store. The music streaming platform has also called upon regulatory bodies in the EU to intervene and resolve the situation.
In response to the criticism, the EU has issued a warning of “firm actions” against Apple in relation to the modifications in the App Store.
Key Takeaways:
1. Microsoft Corporation’s Vice President, Sarah Bond, criticized the new rules of Apple’s App Store for the European Union, labeling them a “step in the wrong direction.” CEOs of Spotify Technology and Epic Games, Daniel Ek, and Tim Sweeney, respectively, have also criticized Apple’s decision.
2. Sarah Bond emphasized that Apple’s new policy needs to consider the opinions of other stakeholders and adopt a more inclusive approach.
3. Apple introduced the “Basic Technology Fee” for apps that use alternative app stores within the European Union. Developers will incur a fee of 0.50 euros per annual app installation after surpassing one million downloads. Apple will also retain a 17% commission from developers who choose third-party payment processors.
4. Sarah Bond shared her perspective on the potential impact of Apple’s new rules on the prospects of introducing Xbox Cloud Gaming apps on iOS.
5. Apple recently allowed gaming services in the cloud on its App Store, as announced in a blog post.
6. The European Commission’s response to Apple’s changes will take place once the new regulations come into effect in March.
7. Tim Sweeney denounced previous changes in the App Store as “hot garbage” and accused Apple of bypassing the European Digital Markets Act.
8. The CEO of Spotify also accused Apple of “extorting” money and called upon regulatory bodies in the EU to intervene.
9. The EU has issued a warning of “firm actions” against Apple in relation to the modifications in the App Store.
Definitions:
1. App Store – Apple’s platform for distributing applications, available on devices running the iOS operating system.
2. European Union (EU) – An international organization comprising 27 member states in Europe that cooperate in various political, economic, and social fields.
Suggested Related Links (homepage URLs):
1. [Apple Homepage](https://www.apple.com/)
2. [Microsoft Homepage](https://www.microsoft.com/)
3. [Spotify Homepage](https://www.spotify.com/)
4. [Epic Games Homepage](https://www.epicgames.com/)
5. [European Union Homepage](https://europa.eu/)
The source of the article is from the blog maltemoney.com.br