Xbox President Sarah Bond has openly criticized Apple's decision to impose fees on third-party app store developers. This move by Apple, which comes in response to the new EU Digital Markets Act, has been labeled as 'a step in the wrong direction' by Bond.
We believe constructive conversations drive change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition. Apple's new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all. https://t.co/mDRI5KPJf6
— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) January 29, 2024
The Digital Markets Act, set to be enforced from March, mandates Apple to permit developers to create and distribute apps outside of its App Store. Apple's countermeasure? A controversial fee: for every app download exceeding one million, developers must pay Apple €0.50. This could translate to a staggering €500,000 for every additional million downloads.
This policy has not only caught the attention of Xbox's leadership but also Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who lambasted the policy on Twitter, calling it a "total farce" and akin to "extortion." Bond echoed these sentiments, supporting Ek's stance and emphasizing the need for open platforms and greater competition in the tech industry.
The implications of this policy are significant, especially for popular apps like Fortnite. Epic Games, Fortnite's developer, plans to reintroduce the game on iOS in Europe but remains critical of Apple's fee, which could cost them immensely due to the game's popularity.
In a surprising turn, Apple also recently altered its stance on game streaming apps, potentially paving the way for a native Xbox Game Pass app on iOS devices. This development, juxtaposed with the new fee policy, paints a complex picture of Apple's strategy in the gaming and app market.
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