In the last couple of weeks I’ve heard a few Apple pundits bring up the old Microsoft antitrust case in relation to Apple’s current situation. However, I’m not sure if these commentators are aware that this comparison actually works against them. Because anyone who looks at the data will come away with the conclusion that antitrust doesn’t apply to Apple.
When the dust settled on Microsoft’s case, Microsoft was at their peak with being on 94% of all computing devices worldwide. Compare that to Apple as of August 2020 where iOS is only on 14.53% of all computing devices worldwide.
Tech writers and developers are deliberately framing the antitrust argument against Apple in a dishonest way. They consistently make the argument that “it’s Apple’s way or the highway”. And yet, it’s the same way with any other business. No one can tell Amazon what they can or can’t sell on their store. No one can tell the New York Times what stories they must run. And no one can Tell Tesla what software they must make available in their App or on their automobile screens.
Generally, when you want to sell your own products on someone else’s platform, it’s their way or the highway. That goes for any company. If you don’t like that, fine. No one is forcing you to use that platform. Go choose another or build your own.
Tech writers say that antitrust is valid against Apple because “they are so big”. And yet, they deliberately hide from the public that at 15% of global market share, Apple is far from a monopoly. They aren’t even close. If Microsoft had 15% of global market share back in 2001, there would have been no antitrust case in the first place. On second thought, yes, let’s keep bringing up Microsoft in this debate.
Generally, when you want to sell your own products on someone else’s platform, it’s their way or the highway. That goes for any company. If you don’t like that, fine. No one is forcing you to use that platform. Go choose another or build your own.
Tech writers say that antitrust is valid against Apple because “they are so big”. And yet, they deliberately hide from the public that at 15% of global market share, Apple is far from a monopoly. They aren’t even close. If Microsoft had 15% of global market share back in 2001, there would have been no antitrust case in the first place. On second thought, yes, let’s keep bringing up Microsoft in this debate.
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