Slashdot Mirror
US Top Court Leans Toward Allowing Apple App Store Antitrust Suit (reuters.com)
U.S. Supreme Court justices on Monday appeared open to letting a lawsuit proceed against Apple that accused it of breaking federal antitrust laws by monopolizing the market for iPhone software applications and causing consumers to overpay. From a report: The nine justices heard an hour of arguments in an appeal by the Cupertino, California-based technology company of a lower court's decision to revive the proposed class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in California in 2011 by a group of iPhone users seeking monetary damages. The lawsuit said Apple violated federal antitrust laws by requiring apps to be sold through the company's App Store and then taking a 30 percent commission from the purchases. The case may hinge on how the justices will apply one of its past decisions to the claims against Apple. That 1977 ruling limited damages for anti-competitive conduct to those directly overcharged rather than indirect victims who paid an overcharge passed on by others.
It's about time. Apple has been allowed to use government agencies to steal legitimate parts at the border, relentlessly stolen software innovations for years, locked vendors and users into an ecosystem where they must play by Apple's rules. It's about time we do something about it.
Every video game console maker has a monopoly on their own game stores. How is this different? Are they being investigated, too?
My Other Computer Is A Data General Nova III.
This isn't just about Apple or video game consoles. Do you want a future where the only way to get software onto any device you buy is through the device manufacturer's store, where they charge a 30% tax^h^h^hfee? Or do you want a future where manufacturers only charge a token transaction fee to get software onto your device?
Google/Android has the right model IMHO. If you don't feel confident in your knowledge about tech to protect yourself, you can stick to the Google Play store and rely on Google to protect you. But if you want you can strike out on your own and get apps from different stores, or side-load them. It is, after all, your phone, not Apple's. When a company completely locks down access to devices like Apple does, they essentially create a monopoly for themselves. Not a monopoly to consumers, but a monopoly to software sellers. The only way to sell stuff to iOS devices owners is via Apple's store. They've set themselves up as an unavoidable middleman, which is something that should never be allowed.
Because the U.S. legal system operates based on case law, they don't have to go after video game consoles. If the lawsuit against Apple succeeds (and it holds up through appeals), then that sets a binding precedent. Any video game console maker attempting to fight off similar lawsuits would thereafter immediately lose in the first round of court because of the precedent. Or chipped printer ink cartridge manufacturers. Or manufacturers bricking devices repaired with third party screens.
Dude,
MS got blasted in the 90's for trying to force people to use IE. Thanks to that suit I can actually disable IE on my domain for all my systems. Apple has no right to dictate how I use my hardware- they represent a majority share of the mobile market. And they then isolate software use on their devices to their own pet list.... that they take a cut of... how could this be any more clear.
The ability to sideload and have additional app stores is one of the reasons why I left Apple. Amazons app store is a good example- there is no reason for apple to prevent users from clicking "I agree this can break my phone" and loading whatever they want on their device.
Then again may apple users are the same type who dont work on their own cars or repair their own electronics. They WANT someone to own everything they have so they dont have to be responsible for upkeep of their equipment. Not to be ad homonym just saying different strokes and I know I have an odd viewpoint because I like to tinker on all my gear.... I am not a normal member of John Q Public.
I hope we can find a balance where people can work on their own gear and sideload whatever on their devices without Megacorp XYZ telling me what I can do with something I just paid over 1k for.... good times man!