Apple has settled an out-of-court class action lawsuit filed by app developers that has made a series of moderate concessions and $ 100 million to get rid of it. (Apple’s daily cash earnings are approximately $ 233 million per day.)
- Apple’s press release is fun to read because it says so “Will help make the App Store an even better business opportunity for developers while maintaining the safe and trusted marketplace that users love.”
- Naturally! Apple loves to make things better for developers, which is why it did so after a lawsuit rather than some other point in time.
- The press release is really amazing. Please be indebted to the authors, who are far taller than me, who can get a payout of 100 million “Erect”[d] a new fund to support qualified US developers. “ That sounds a lot nicer than throwing money to end a lawsuit. Plus, the “fund” pays $ 30 million to lawyers!
- Read the settlement proposal filed in the Northern District of California here. (“Plaintiffs will seek an attorney fee of up to $ 30 million.”)
What changes:
- Apple’s concessions are billed as a token by some commenters, but I’m not sure there is at least one major change.
- Changes start here: “To give developers even more flexibility to reach their customers, Apple is also making it clear that developers can use communications such as email to exchange information about payment methods outside of their iOS app. As always, developers pay Apple no commission for purchases made outside of their app or the app store. The users must agree to the communication and have the right to unsubscribe. “
- This means developers can tell iPhone users how to pay without just paying Apple tax along the way. Developers cannot address email people to say, “Please pay using this method on our site,” but developers can email their user base to people who have given their consent.
- That probably means every iOS app in the US is starting to mention that you should really join their email list for better deals. (And US only: Yes, that’s right, Apple is only making these changes in the US.)
- And apart from other small changes, such as Apple adding more pricing options for developers for subscriptions, in-app purchases, and paid apps, nothing significant changes.
- Apple is sticking to its 30% / 15% cuts, which it risked if this continued in court.
- In case you’re wondering, Epic Games seems angrier than ever. The app Fairness Coalition, made up of Epic Games, Spotify, Tile, Match Group, and more, called it a sham deal.
- Anyway, it’s a change, but it’s not a 30% take change, so this won’t be the last attempt at reducing Apple’s grip.
BTW: Tim Cook received $ 750 million in Apple stock as part of his CEO compensation (BBC).
📅 Oppo accidentally leaked the release date of Color OS 12 – and therefore Android 12, with Monday September 13th, now likely. Oppo’s digital assistant in China, Breeno, spilled the beans but has since been muted (Android authority).
📸 Custom image processors seem like a new avenue for smartphone manufacturers: Now Vivo is collaborating with Xiaomi to develop a custom ISP that will debut with the X70 series (Android authority).
🎮 Netflix is testing its games! People with Polish Netflix accounts will jump onto the Netflix Android app and access two live games: Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3, which are downloadable, not Stadia-style streaming games. Most likely that doesn’t sound great, but hey early days! (Android authority).
🚲 Peloton is cutting the price of its bike to $ 1,495, with price cuts in other regions as well (Engage).
🧮 Google Sheets formula suggestions are like auto-fill for math (The edge).
🤳 The zoom dysmorphism follows us into the real world: Eighteen months with front cameras distorted our self-image (Wired).
🎮 MLK is coming to … Fortnite? “A new virtual exhibition in the game will pay tribute to the slain leader by exposing players to his speeches and crusade for justice.” (Gizmodo).
👻 Snapchat’s new AR features can identify the world around you: expect to be surprised, but don’t expect perfection (The edge).
🚀 You can buy a Blue Origin model rocket that flies 400 feet in the air (CNET).
🍪 I’m really enjoying Michael Lewis’ Against The Rules podcast as I’m catching up on season two (although it was better before Pushkin ran 999 ads per podcast). Anyway, here’s something from him about sharing that extra cookie in life (Kottke).
🤔 “Why didn’t we invent a hangover cure?” (R / nodumme questions).
The world’s most booked Airbnb, if you didn’t know it, is pretty unexpected. Before you scroll down to read, just guess: where it might be, whether it’s cheap or expensive, something fancy in a busy city or a remote vacation spot …
Have you made up your mind?
Final guesses?
Keep scrolling …
Okay so this is it:
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