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> Microsoft and Playstation also allow for cross-platform play

Sony explicitly didn't allow for cross-play until 2 years ago [https://kotaku.com/sony-is-finally-allowing-cross-play-on-th...], even though it was technically possible before then [https://www.engadget.com/2017-06-24-rocket-league-cross-netw...]. In fact, the only reason Sony opened up to cross-play is due to pressure to stay competitive with rival platform Xbox. This was a take-it-or-leave it situation, but Sony was too big to leave. Nothing changed until Sony caved to social pressure.

If the argument is that Apple is a unique kind of device that Apple has a monopoly over, it would hard to argue that Sony and Microsoft don't enjoy the same monopoly powers. On the other hand, if argument is that it's easy enough to switch from Playstation to Xbox, then how is that different from buying a new phone?

In fact, I would bet that Epic sued Apple not because it's more monopolistic, but because they want to set a legal precedent that they can then apply to Playstation, Xbox and Switch, without threatening Epic's core business on consoles.

> On the other hand, if argument is that it's easy enough to switch from Playstation to Xbox, then how is that different from buying a new phone?

Rather easily: players can own two consoles with nothing more than the hardware investment, and there's a long social experience of dedicated gamers doing just this. Owning two phones, however, requires two separate cell/data plans and duplication of every other regular-use app (productivity, e-mail, etc.)

The core distinction is that a console is a device, whereas iOS/Android is a platform.

> Rather easily: players can own two consoles with nothing more than the hardware investment, and there's a long social experience of dedicated gamers doing just this. Owning two phones, however, requires two separate cell/data plans and duplication of every other regular-use app (productivity, e-mail, etc.)

multiple console platforms require multiple accounts with separate friends lists, paid online access, save games, etc. with WiFi calling, separate cell/data plans are not necessary. [1]

> The core distinction is that a console is a device, whereas iOS/Android is a platform.

a console gaming platform certainly seems like a platform. games, friends list with chat, applications such as video streaming, etc.

[1] https://thedroidguy.com/trick-drop-cell-phone-plan-completel...

> Owning two phones, however, requires two separate cell/data plans and duplication of every other regular-use app (productivity, e-mail, etc.)

I can't run my Switch copy of Warframe on my PS4. I have to install Warframe for PS4 on the PS4, and then I'll be playing only with other Warframe-on-PS4 players.

Similarly for every paid title I have on the PS4 if I move to Switch I have to buy those titles again, assuming they're available on the Switch. Many of the titles I have on Switch require a Nintendo Online account which is a paid service.

So I'm not sure what you think you're addressing with that comparison, other than desperately trying to find evidence to support your assertion that iPhone is somehow different to a gaming console in terms of being a platform or device.

> On the other hand, if argument is that it's easy enough to switch from Playstation to Xbox, then how is that different from buying a new phone?

Would you be willing to agree that the relative importance of a smartphone in 2020 is far greater than the relative importance of a video game console in virtually everyone’s lives?

As we are talking about a first person shooter game and not some “relative important” app, no I would not.

Any kind of smartphone, yes, the iPhone in particular, definitely not.

Nor does Fortnite.

Negotiating power seems slightly tangential to the main issue, I don't think that take-it-or-leave-it negotiating tactics are inherently bad. When you buy food from the supermarket, you either pay the price they are charging or you leave - there's no negotiation.

But in that scenario, you can always walk out and walk into a competing grocery store and try to find a better price. The fact that you can walk is what makes it a competitive scenario, and not an anti-trust one. The question here is, is being able to walk away and use an Android (or other smartphone) product an equivalent (thus fair competition) - or is software in the iOS ecosystem unique enough that not being allowed to participate unless you follow arcane rules is unfair abuse of a monopoly.

“ Microsoft and Playstation also allow for cross-platform play, and crucially unlike Apple, actually provide a significant amount of services to developers for their cuts, including but not limited to QA services, SDK and hardware support from actual MS/Sony employees, and marketing spend”

I don’t understand how this is materially different from apples investments into Xcode, discoverability & promotion in the App Store/“marketing spend”, etc. Apple does tons of stuff with the big players behind closed doors, they highlight it every keynote and that’s just the ones they talk about on the “real human being” front.

A monopoly in a legal sense is different from one someone with deep pockets willing to litigate over. The little people are not equal in the US legal system.

That's too bad. I would rather MS and Sony charge treat all developers equally to allow fair competition on the platform. This kind of preferential treatment creates a bigger divide between existing winners and those wanting to become winners.

That large companies can get use their clout to get a better deal from console stores isn't a particularly compelling defense.

> Microsoft and Playstation also allow for cross-platform play

Don't some games allow iOS / PC cross-platform play? Epic's Fortnite did, didn't it?

Yes, iOS has no crossplay restrictions.

MS doesn't require Xbox developers to use their IAP API. Most do, but that's just because it's so convenient for the players.

As a non-console owner, this news is certainly new to me.

It seems to run counter to everything I've heard when people compare the iOS ecosystem to consoles. Where can I learn more?

quote: Microsoft’s App Developer Agreement states that “[n]ew App and in-App Product submissions to the Store are required to use Microsoft’s commerce engine to support purchase of any In-App Product(s) that are or can be consumed or used within [the] app.”

Appendix A1 (page 16) here https://www.analysisgroup.com/globalassets/insights/publishi...