The author is “a common person” though? They’re a fiction writer who doesn’t and hasn’t worked professionally as a software developer. that was the point. They’re “home chefs” not professional.

Aren't free apps a conflict of interest then?

I can imagine that a good platform for making "home-cooked apps" would be beneficial both to Apple and to buyers of their products.

I believe Shortcuts was a move in the right direction.

> Aren't free apps a conflict of interest then?

They are indeed, I think. When was the last time you saw a really great free app? That was at the beginning of the App Store ecosystem, I think they've moved away from it.

Arent all the best/popular apps free these days? I have no data to back this up, but in my experience people have gotten less willing to pay money for an app than when the app stores launched (presumably because everyone is used to "free" apps that you pay with your data to use).