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The former head of the Apple App Store told the U.S. Congressional Antitrust Committee that the Cupertino-based company was using the complicated App Store rules "as a weapon against competitors." He cited Apple Arcade as evidence and Xbox Game Pass as an example.
Former App Store director Phil Shoemaker claimed that Apple creates "arbitrary" rules that allow the company to block or hinder unwanted competitors in order to promote its own services and applications. Business Insider discovered Shoemaker's statement in the 450-page report. is called it in it:
Apple uses “arbitrary” and “controversial” App Store approval policies
Apple's App Store for iPhone and iPad doesn't allow subscription-based gaming services like Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass and Google's Stadia. The reason, according to former Apple App Store director Phil Shoemaker, is that "apps that compete with Apple's services have a track record of failing to clear the App Store's review process," according to a new antitrust report from the firm.
Shoemaker pointed to Apple Arcade, Apple's subscription-based gaming service, as a major reason why other gaming subscription services are unavailable to iPhone and iPad users.
“Apple’s gaming service, Apple Arcade, is a type of app that has consistently been blocked from the store when offered by third-party developers,” the report said, “but Apple approved its own app in the store even though it violated existing [App Store] policies […].
Shoemaker said the company was implementing “arbitrary” and “controversial” app store approval policies and using its control of the app store “as a weapon against competitors.”
GameClub accepts Apple's rules
It should be mentioned here that Apple has since updated the guidelines revised Providers of streaming services for games are allowed to offer a catalog and must make each individual title available as a separate application in the App Store. An approach that many potential providers see as another obstacle - GameClub has chosen this one. This is what the App Store Description:
The greatest hits in mobile gaming, all in one place. GameClub has a large and ever-growing catalog of some of the best games in mobile gaming history. Our entire library is available with NO ads and NO additional purchase when you start your free trial. Just pure, uninterrupted fun. Every game can be played offline, anytime, anywhere - and new games are released every week.
Shoemaker compares Netflix and Spotify
Users receive 30 days of free access. After that, they must sign up for a monthly subscription. This means that Apple earns around 30 percent in the first year, while the fee is halved to 15 percent from the second year onwards. But back to Shoemaker. The requirement to have each streaming title approved individually as an app is an example of what the former Apple employee means by hindering competitors. Treating games differently than other downloadable content is also arbitrary, he argues. The report states:
Considering that Apple allows services like Netflix and Spotify without reviewing every single piece of content, why not allow a similar service for gaming?
Apple itself has already explained that games are different from films and music because they are interactive and consumers have different expectations. How Apple will react to the latest allegations remains to be seen. A statement is expected shortly. (Photo by PhotoGranary / Bigstockphoto)
