Distribution isn't free in any business. Spotify and the like might not be as profitable paying the 30/15%, but that's a Spotify problem not an Apple problem.
Given that, these guys are on point when calling Apple's demands "a ransom". It certainly looks like one.
United States v. Microsoft Corp (2001).
> It’s their platform they can do whatever they want
Yes, unfortunately. That's good for Apple, but not good for us, so it's in our best interests if this situation changes somehow.
Honestly feel like I’m missing something.
Refusing this right is evil and should pe punished. Also, this very much helps oppressive states like Russia or China to block their citizens from accessing certain apps.
It's an Apple problem because Apple competes directly with Spotify.
Apple's own competitor (Apple Music) can avoid those overheads while offering users the convenience of in-app subscriptions. You could argue that Apple is abusing its market power in one sector to gain dominance in another, which is monopolistic and - in many countries - illegal.
Walmart and McDonald's are for more different.