I don’t think that’s true. People complain about tipping culture, which generally demands about 15-20%, sometimes less (e.g. for whatever reason, hotel housekeeping only gets a few dollars even if the room is $100 per night). If tipping 10% was the norm, you think there would barely be any complaining?

The buyer always wants the transaction to be more affordable and the seller always wants the transaction to be more profitable. The exact numbers don’t change that.

I think the thing that angers people is that the cost feels hidden, even if it’s common knowledge. You look at menu prices and see a price but tips, taxes, and credit card processing fees aren’t included. It can take you by surprise if you’re not thinking about it, even if you’ve been through the same dance many times before.

If I were running Apple, I would instead find a way to charge for developer accounts, code signing, etc. Things that are set up ahead of time and can have a known value, charged for upfront. I believe this would feel more fair, no matter the cost.

It drops after the first year

Still, for a year, they got keep 1/3 of what you make, and then you have to pay taxes.

How much is it after a year?

15%, and apparently now 10% in the EU.

I think people forget what it cost to sell and market software before the App Store. There’s plenty written about this…