What nobody is talking about is Epic could completely avoid the premium their complaining about by using a website for all transactions. Just like the Kindle App or Netflix etc. The only thing they get from this lawsuit is in app micro transactions. As such it’s really a question of business models not consumer choice.
Netflix is constantly at odds with Apple. You can't subscribe via the iOS app store and they don't even link to the Netflix website due to Apple's rules and how they want their 30% cut for app store-driven traffic.
https://techcrunch.com/2018/12/31/netflix-stops-paying-the-a...
Provides an article from 3 years ago during which time the sign-up flow has not changed and Netflix has exploded in growth.
> Trying to join Netflix?
>
> You can't sign up for Netflix in the app. We know it's a hassle.
Epic would also need all paid transactions to originate entirely from said website - i.e. there would be no ability for their own apps to even send users to that website. There have been multiple horror stories about app developers trying this exact approach and Apple turning around with "nope, pay up your 30% cut".
Trying to join _? You can't sign up for _ in the app. We know it's a hassle.
Not:
Trying to join _? click here
But, actually following the acceptable approach and you don’t run into issues.
What a goofy point of view.
If there are two restaurants in town, and only one grocery store, would you conclude that eating out is better than cooking your own meals because you have two restaurant options instead of just the one grocery store?