You download the app and it doesn’t work

Re:You download the app and it doesn’t work by Spivak on Friday June 19, 2020 @07:50PM (#23580116)

I only repeat the argument so I get to hear a bunch of people’s takes on it. Once you’re deep in a thread it’s pretty much only you and the person you’re replying to.

I don’t think the App Store is the source of customer acquisition. I think being able to sell on iOS devices is the source of customer acquisition. Being able to upsell a user to your premium service right there on the device is the valuable thing that costs a premium.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:You download the app and it doesn’t work by realtalk_sp on Friday June 19, 2020 @08:01PM (#23580203)

This is a really ambiguous, unusual, and (in my opinion) inappropriate use of the term "customer acquisition".

The App Store is a marketplace that connects people developing for a platform (iOS) to customers using devices compatible with that platform. It is also the only marketplace that does this. In this way, it is best thought of as a (monopolistic) distribution channel.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:You download the app and it doesn’t work by Spivak on Friday June 19, 2020 @08:06PM (#23580232)

But why is the “App Store” the distribution channel and not the device itself? I mean Apple would be within their right to just not allow 3rd party apps at all on their devices so why is it weird that they take a cut from anyone who wants to set up a booth on their land?

Like it feels wrong to punish a company for not closing their platform like consoles do to any only working with a few select partners.

[ Parent | on HN ]