Apple to reportedly remove app that enabled Google Stadia on iPhone [u]

Would like to hear what the people who say "just play the games in a browser if they're rejected by Apple" have to say about this, which is just a browser using WebKit, but with controller integration. Again Apple's response to a fear that someone might make a couple of dollars outside the App Store is to close them down.  The more Apple tightens its control, the more belligerent they appear, and the more likely they are to end up on the sharp end of the antitrust stick. It's really disheartening to see Apple's response to the antitrust investigations expose a total lack of awareness for their customers and the developer base, when it's always championed the mantra of equality. There's nothing equal about a $2tn company rejecting an app from a developer who is probably part time, trying to put food on the table.

elijahg said:

Would like to hear what the people who say "just play the games in a browser if they're rejected by Apple" have to say about this, which is just a browser using WebKit, but with controller integration. Again Apple's response to a fear that someone might make a couple of dollars outside the App Store is to close them down.  The more Apple tightens its control, the more belligerent they appear, and the more likely they are to end up on the sharp end of the antitrust stick. It's really disheartening to see Apple's response to the antitrust investigations expose a total lack of awareness for their customers and the developer base, when it's always championed the mantra of equality. There's nothing equal about a $2tn company rejecting an app from a developer who is probably part time, trying to put food on the table.

You've missed the point.  This free app allows Google to bypass the app store rules.  Google is the major benefactor here, not the browser developer.  Since the app is free, it hardly puts food on the table unless perhaps he has a commissioned deal with Google, which would make this highly suspect.  Perhaps the app is ad-supported, allowing Google to collect bits of your privacy and intrude on your personal life.  Even if he does only "make a couple of dollars outside the App Store," he should know to adhere to the contract he signed in order to become a developer with the option to publish apps in the app store; he should know that if he does not adhere, his app is in violation of the rules and will be rejected or removed.

elijahg said:

Would like to hear what the people who say "just play the games in a browser if they're rejected by Apple" have to say about this, which is just a browser using WebKit, but with controller integration. Again Apple's response to a fear that someone might make a couple of dollars outside the App Store is to close them down.  The more Apple tightens its control, the more belligerent they appear, and the more likely they are to end up on the sharp end of the antitrust stick. It's really disheartening to see Apple's response to the antitrust investigations expose a total lack of awareness for their customers and the developer base, when it's always championed the mantra of equality. There's nothing equal about a $2tn company rejecting an app from a developer who is probably part time, trying to put food on the table.

Maybe you should wait until all the facts come out before getting all worked up like someone raped your cat. 

I normally defend most decisions that Apple makes, but this feels like a dick move to me. Unless users are somehow put at risk, I can't think of a single reason for the removal of this app. And I'm not a gamer.

If this app is putting users are risk, then I support its removal, with the condition that the issues be addressed. But I'm learning towards Apple just not liking that something is competing with Arcade and their "service" revenues.

coolfactor said:

I normally defend most decisions that Apple makes, but this feels like a dick move to me. Unless users are somehow put at risk, I can't think of a single reason for the removal of this app. And I'm not a gamer.

If this app is putting users are risk, then I support its removal, with the condition that the issues be addressed. But I'm learning towards Apple just not liking that something is competing with Arcade and their "service" revenues.

Even if that is the case, the Developers have agreed to Apple’s Terms prior to even getting the development kit.  With apps like this, they are in violation of that agreement.  Apple IS a business; they did not spend tens of billions of dollars building the infrastructure just because of their altruistic nature.  I don’t understand the argument that it’s a “dick move” not to allow Google to utilize that infrastructure for free (or at all for apps in violation of the Agreement).  This app was 100% written to get Google Stadia on iOS devices in violation of the Agreement.  If I were this developer, I would have been shocked if Apple DID NOT remove the app.

Someone better at it than me should check to see if this guy had any professional ties to Google.