So Nintendo can force everyone to buy a Switch to play Mario games? From what I see, consoles are locked in as well and we are forced to have PS/Xbox/Switch for their exclusive games. And this is legal because they aren’t as big as Apple? Why can’t I buy one console to play any game I want just like I can install any OS on Android?

[–] woelkchen@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

And this is legal because they aren’t as big as Apple?

Apple can do whatever they want on iPads, Mac, and Vision Pro. At least WRT Gatekeeper status in the EU, only iPhone is covered.

[–] IamAnonymous@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Did not know that. So it’s just the sales numbers then because iPad is the same as an iPhone in terms of functionality and restrictions. Mac is more open compared to their mobile devices.

[–] woelkchen@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

So it’s just the sales numbers then because iPad is the same as an iPhone in terms of functionality and restrictions.

Sales numbers and more specifically market power of the Apple App Store on iPhones. In absolute numbers there are more Android devices out there but that includes super low-end devices where the owners don't spend as much money on apps.

Apparently tablets aren't being seen as big of a factor in the overall market, at least according to the EU. The special exceptionfs announced recently by Apple for the EU also for the most part are only about iPhone.

"The changes do not apply outside of the EU, nor do they apply to iPadOS in any country." --https://www.macrumors.com/2024/03/06/alternative-ios-app-stores-eu-grace-period/