Hacker News Reader

You're paying for access to their userbase.

... which is monopolistic rent-seeking, the like of which would have been shut down (and was) in the 90’s

Would it? Its not like iphone's are the only game in town.

Macs were around when Microsoft was shut down over browser bundling. Perhaps duopoly or monopsony would be more precise terms.

And the userbase is there because of the apps.

Let’s not pretend Apple doesn’t also benefit from having apps in its store and on its phone.

Seems like they should work together and find some equitable way to split the profits. Perhaps 30/70?

No thanks, but 15/85 sounds more reasonable. :)