I really think FTC or DoJ really need to look at Apple's subscription laws.When we thought it has cooled down, another victim of Apple's practice, Readability, posted an open letter to Apple. This time Apple wants to charge 30%, if the app provides functionality, or services in addition to content sellers like Murdoch. SaaS (Software As A Service) is in Big Trouble, if they are planing to leverage Apple iOS popularity and customers. Readability pointed out the following from 11.2 in the App Store Review Guidelines:
11.2 Apps utilizing a system other than the In App Purchase API (IAP) to purchase content, functionality, or services in an app will be rejected.
Those who are thinking of bringing SAAS to Apple platform, get ready to poke out 30% of your income or charge 30% more from your customers, either way you lose. People with RSS readers, if you are planing to charge customers, add 30%, oops you too lose.
Great way to do business Apple, you are turning away the same apps that made you successful. Remember Google Voice App, yes I too think you suck and will stay away from you as much as possible.
Readability, as you can see from the video below, strips unnecessary bits, (yes ads too but authors are compensated, read below) and presented to the reader in a readable way but their app got rejected by Apple.
We’re obviously disappointed by this decision, and surprised by the broad language. By including “functionality, or services,” it’s clear that you intend to pursue any subscription-based apps, not merely those of services serving up content. Readability’s model is unique in that 70% of our service fees go directly to writers and publishers. If we implemented In App purchasing, your 30% cut drastically undermines a key premise of how Readability works.
Well Apple, do not worry, I am exchanging my iPhone for an Android phone and I have made a request at work for Android Tablet, perhaps a Motorola XOOM, After Bestbuy Verizon game ends.
Readability via Techcrunch
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