At the moment they're double dipping. They're saying they have to be the only app store for security and UX AND then charging high fees. If they're really providing a service for end users, they shouldn't be taking such a large cut from developers.
Bingo. If they're making an argument that they have to retain so much control because it's good for the users, then why are their margins so big?
I'm not saying companies shouldn't be able to run successful, highly-profitable businesses.
I'm saying they shouldn't be able to (a) have significant market share, (b) have significant size / market cap, (c) have high margins, AND (d) claim "but we're so efficient for our users!" as a defense against anti-trust.
One of those things is bullshit, and 3 out of 4 are facts...
I'd suspect most users aren't going to venture outside the garden.
Note: I'm not defending Apple. But the higher dev fees do serve a purpose other than revenue.
If Apple is really concerned about keeping out the riff raff they could raise the annual flat developer fees.
But we all know that's not what they're actually concerned about - the app store is estimated to have 80% margins right now. They're just charging what the market will bear, and the market will bear quite a lot right now as they're part of a duopoly on smartphones.
Well, that's another conversation then isn't it? If that's the case, then Apple and Google (Play) should be named then, yes?
It doesn't keep malware from getting in. If it's hurting people by limiting their choices and it isn't keeping people safe then what good is it?