This isn’t a “big bad Apple” story.
Just one review of the app from the article:
“I bought this to get what looks like a Rolex watch face … it’s not a face it’s just a picture … hands don’t even move,” wrote one customer. “Does this company have permission from Rolex to do this? I took it they did but I doubt it. Pure scam to get money from people. I want a refund it’s not acceptable. I will also report to Rolex and see if they do anything.”
It also sounds like they may have been faking reviews and other shenanigans.
App Store guidelines are too strict for developers, I think it will be better for mobile developer to develop their app for android ecosystem, not ios
Android ecosystem is not so much better.
I’ve been a supporter of web apps. Unfortunately it cuts into app store profits so it’s often shit on.
The problem with doing android dev work is that android users simply refuse to pay for useful apps. iOS users on the other hand are more open to it.
As a developer it makes sense to prioritize iOS if you like money.
That sounds like anecdotal evidence. Android is more popular in more than half of the world and a lot of apps are successful and generate income on both platforms.
If you look at developer experience it’s absolutely is true. Android users just prefer free/ad supported/pirated software. If you’re an android user look at your own habits. What android applications have you purchased?
You can search for statistics from any source online and you’ll get the same results. But in the end if you code for iOS you need to test and debug for fewer devices and you will make more money overall. There are wayyyy more android users but 70% of all mobile app spend is on iOS. Deving for iOS just makes sense if you like money.
https://backlinko.com/iphone-vs-android-statistics#iphone-vs-android-app-spending
None of this account for differences in purchasing power and phone price.
If you have an $150 Android device, I would of course expect you to spend way less on software than somebody with a $1500 iPhone.
I’m not saying ‘develop for Android only’ but if your business relies on one ecosystem only, you’re at a higher risk and you’re leaving money on the table.
You are 100% right.
If you dev for only one you will be leaving money on the table. But for small / solo devs I can 100% see why focusing on iOS and those high paying customers makes sense if all you care about is money.
Then once you have a customer base then you build out an android team/app.
I’m not saying it should be this way. I’m just saying I understand why it is this way.
Why pay for apps when you can just sideload pirated version from dubious origin and pay with your privacy and crypto mine for the pirate distributing it?
Oh, wait, I just said the quiet part alt store advocates doesn’t want to say out loud.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
